The detection, location and recognition of food by juvenile banana prawns,<i>Penaeus merguiensis</i>de man

Abstract

Penaeus merguiensis detects food and discriminates it from non‐food particles by chemo‐sensory mechanisms. Vision was not found to play any part in the process. Food seeking behaviour is initiated by low concentrations of organic compounds (10‐5‐10‐6 Molar solutions of a range of amino acids) in the water, but higher concentrations (10‐1‐10‐2M) are needed to produce a masticating reaction by the mouthparts. The stimuli for mouthpart action and food seeking behaviour are not specific, the responses resulting from a wide range of amino acids. The chemoreceptors are distributed over the body surface, but concentrated at the anterior end, as in other decapod Crustacea. When stimulated by food odour in flowing water, P. merguiensis moves against the current. The reaction is a true rheotaxis, not mediated by vision. In still water, food location is less efficient. A chemotactic mechanism may operate, but is effective only over very short distances (a few centimetres).