Alarm reaction in acquisition and social transmission of simulated-predator recognition by zebra danio fish (Brachydanio rerio).

Results suggest the operation of a sophisticated antipredator defensive system in zebra danios that involves unlearned releasing stimuli, social facilitation, visual communication, learned predator recognition, and social communication of predator recognition.

Abstract

Alarm reactions occur in response to alarm substance passively released by injury to skin of zebra danio fish (Brachydanio rerio). Visual observation of alarmed conspecifics yields socially facilitated alarm by observers. Concurrent exposure of fish to alarm substance and a novel odorant (morpholine) later produced learned alarm to morpholine alone. Results suggest the operation of a sophisticated antipredator defensive system in zebra danios that involves unlearned releasing stimuli, social facilitation, visual communication, learned predator recognition, and social communication of predator recognition