TY - JOUR
TI - Survival of the Stillest: Predator Avoidance in Shark Embryos
AU - Kempster, R
AU - Hart, N
AU - Collin, S
T2 - PLOS ONE
AB - Sharks use highly sensitive electroreceptors to detect the electric fields emitted by potential prey. However, it is not known whether prey animals are able to modulate their own bioelectrical signals to reduce predation risk. Here, we show that some shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum) embryos can detect predator-mimicking electric fields and respond by ceasing their respiratory gill movements. Despite being confined to the small space within the egg case, where they are vulnerable to predators, embryonic sharks are able to recognise dangerous stimuli and react with an innate avoidance response. Knowledge of such behaviours, may inform the development of effective shark repellents.
DA - 2013/01//
PY - 2013
PB - Public Library of Science
VL - 8
IS - 1
SP - e52551
UR - https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0052551
DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0052551
LA - English
KW - Marine Energy
KW - Wind Energy
KW - EMF
KW - Fish
KW - Demersal Fish
ER -