Conceptualizing the feeding and prey handling sequences of a muraenid

Conceptualizing the feeding and prey handling sequences of a muraenid

Conceptualizing the feeding and prey handling sequences of a muraenid (#7)

Cameron S Fletcher ¹ , James A Donaldson ¹ ² , Brendan C Ebner ¹ ²

CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, Atherton, QUEENSLAND, Australia
TropWATER, James Cook University, Atherton, QUEENSLAND, Australia

Video imagery has facilitated detailed examination of high speed animal behaviors including prey capture and handling. We captured aquaria-based video footage of Gymnothorax polyuranodon (f. Muraenidae), a species for which feeding behavior would be difficult to obtain under field conditions. This predator exhibits multiple feeding and prey handling modes when feeding on large prey items as has been previously described in Anguilliform fishes. However, video review demonstrated that in this case feeding sequences were frequently far more complex than has been previously realized. We were able to analyse these complex sequences by breaking them down into hierarchical arrangements of simple commonly-observed behaviours, or ‘motifs’. Statistical analysis of the frequency and ordering of different motif sequences allowed us to build an understanding of prey capture and handling strategy.

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Authors contributing to this presentation.

Fletcher, C.S

Dr Cameron Fletcher studies the way people interact with the environment in systems where it is this interaction that drives change, to guide more effective management and solve Australia's environmental challenges. Dr Fletcher leads research collaborations leveraging digital methods and domain knowledge to provide actionable recommendations to managers. His current work, with collaborators, provides the ecological foundation for the Australian government's ~$240m Crown-Of-Thorns Starfish Control Program on the Great Barrier Reef. Since 2018, the Control Program has protected 400 reefs, removed 1.2 million starfish, and won the 2023 National Banksia Award for Sustainability. Dr Fletcher also leads science strategy at CSIRO. He is currently the Science Strategy Lead for the Water Security Program of CSIRO Environment, working with domain experts from across the Program to guide the development of a new foundation for Australian water research at CSIRO.

Conceptualizing the feeding and prey handling sequences of a muraenid (#7)

Fletcher, C.S

Donaldson, J.A

Ebner, B.C

Conceptualizing the feeding and prey handling sequences of a muraenid (#7)

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Fletcher, C.S

Donaldson, J.A

Ebner, B.C

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