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The time course and frequency content of hydrodynamic events caused by moving fish, frogs, and crustaceans

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Summary

In the present study the time course and spectral-amplitude distribution of hydrodynamic flow fields caused by moving fish, frogs, and crustaceans were investigated with the aid of laser-Doppler-anemometry. In the vicinity of a hovering fish sinusoidal water movements can be recorded whose velocity spectra peak below 10 Hz (Fig. 2). Single strokes during startle responses or during steady swimming of fish, frogs, and crustaceans cause short-lasting, low-frequency (<10 Hz), transient water movements (Fig. 3). Low-frequency transients also occur if a frog approaches and passes a velocity-sensitive hydrodynamic sensor. In contrast, transient water movements caused by a rapidly struggling or startled fish or water motions measured in the wake of a slowly swimming (≤47 cm/s) trout can be broadbanded, i.e., these water movements can contain frequency components up to at least 100 Hz (Figs. 4, 5A, 6). High-frequency hydrodynamic events can also be measured behind obstacles submerged in running water (Fig. 5C). The possible biological advantage of the ability to detect high-frequency hydroynamic events is discussed with respect to the natural occurrence of high frequencies and its potential role in orientation and predator-prey interactions of aquatic animals.

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Abbreviations

LDA :

laser Doppler anemometer

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Author notes

  1. H. Bleckmann

    Present address: Fakultät für Biologie, Universität Bielefeld, W-4800, Bielefeld, Federal Republic of Germany

  2. J. Tautz

    Present address: Zoologisches Institut, Universität, Röntgenring 10, W-8700, Würzburg, Federal Republic of Germany

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fakultät für Biologie, Universität Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, W-7750, Konstanz, Federal Republic of Germany

    T. Breithaupt & J. Tautz

  2. Fakultät für Biologie, Universität des Saarlandes, W-6600, Saarbrücken, Federal Republic of Germany

    R. Blickhan

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Bleckmann, H., Breithaupt, T., Blickhan, R. et al. The time course and frequency content of hydrodynamic events caused by moving fish, frogs, and crustaceans. J Comp Physiol A 168, 749–757 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00224363

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