Visual cues determining prey selection by the turbot, <i>Scophthalmus maximus</i> L.

Abstract

By presenting juvenile turbot, Scophthalmus maximus L., with models and natural prey, Crangon crangon , standardised for size, some of the visual characteristics that elicit a predatory response have been determined. By far the most important stimulus was overall body movement, but appendage movements of the crustacean and a ratio of vertical to horizontal dimensions lower than about 1:5 were also of significance. The body shape of a prey was not of great importance. Evidence was obtained for the heterogeneous summation of stimuli.