Social Learning of Prey Location in Hatchery-Reared Atlantic Salmon

Naïve, hatchery-reared Atlantic salmon Salmo salar parr were paired with demonstrators that had been pre-trained to accept live prey from the surface or from the benthos. After 6 days of observing demonstrators through a clear perspex partition the naïve fish’s benthic foraging skills were tested. T...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Brown, C., Markula, A., Laland, K.
Format: Text
Language:unknown
Published: WBI Studies Repository 2003
Subjects:
Atlantic salmon
benthos
hatchery
prey location
social learning
Animal Studies
Comparative Psychology
Other Animal Sciences
Salmo salar
Online Access:https://www.wellbeingintlstudiesrepository.org/acwp_aff/16
https://www.wellbeingintlstudiesrepository.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1014&context=acwp_aff
Description
Summary:Naïve, hatchery-reared Atlantic salmon Salmo salar parr were paired with demonstrators that had been pre-trained to accept live prey from the surface or from the benthos. After 6 days of observing demonstrators through a clear perspex partition the naïve fish’s benthic foraging skills were tested. The results revealed that hatchery-reared Atlantic salmon can be taught to target benthic prey items by observation alone and social learning protocols can be utilized to dramatically increase benthic foraging success. The results are discussed with reference to refining hatchery-rearing practices with a view to improving the post-release survival of hatchery fishes. The role of learning, and in particular social learning, in the development foraging behaviour is highlighted.

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