Copepod escape behavior in non-turbulent and turbulent hydrodynamic regimes (original) (raw)

Copepods respond to velocity gradients in the ambient fluid generated by the movement of nearby predators. Escape behavior of several species in response to hydrodynamic stimuli has been analyzed under non-turbulent conditions; however, copepods normally experience a flowing or turbulent environment. Two neritic species (Paracalanus parvus and Temora turbinata) were exposed to a siphon-generated flow field under both non-turbulent and turbulent conditions. Deformation rates of 6.16 and 3.93 s-1 were required to elicit escape behavior in P. parvus and T. turbinata, respectively. Copepod jump distances in response to the siphon-generated flow field were > 6.8 mm and were not significantly different under non-turbulent and turbulent conditions.