Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Description
The ecosystem created by pelagic Sargassum is important in the life histories of a
number of economically and ecologically important associated organisms. Fishes play a
vital role in this food web and nutrient flow within these systems, but it is unknown how
they locate these floating habitats. This study examined the role of natural chemical cues
from Sargassum patches and the synthetic chemical Dimethylsulfonionpropionate
(DMSP) for an associated fish, the planehead filefish (Stephanolepis hispidus) and a
control fish species not associated with Sargassum, the masked goby (Coryphopterus
personatus). Choice trials with a Y-maze apparatus determined that S. hispidus
responded significantly to chemical cues from Sargassum while C. personatus did not.
DMSP cues did not result in any significant behavioral responses for either fish.
Demonstrating that S. hispidus can respond to chemical cues from Sargassum helps
further our understanding of this unique floating algal reef and how fishes may locate it.
number of economically and ecologically important associated organisms. Fishes play a
vital role in this food web and nutrient flow within these systems, but it is unknown how
they locate these floating habitats. This study examined the role of natural chemical cues
from Sargassum patches and the synthetic chemical Dimethylsulfonionpropionate
(DMSP) for an associated fish, the planehead filefish (Stephanolepis hispidus) and a
control fish species not associated with Sargassum, the masked goby (Coryphopterus
personatus). Choice trials with a Y-maze apparatus determined that S. hispidus
responded significantly to chemical cues from Sargassum while C. personatus did not.
DMSP cues did not result in any significant behavioral responses for either fish.
Demonstrating that S. hispidus can respond to chemical cues from Sargassum helps
further our understanding of this unique floating algal reef and how fishes may locate it.
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