To elucidate feeding kinematics of the endangered Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus), high-speed (500 frames/s) recordings of dorsal, lateral, and ventral feeding of larval silvery minnow were analyzed through National Institute of Health ImageJ software. Suction-feeding with buccal expansion was observed when feeding was apparent, and approach and feeding angle of H. amarus approaching the feeding substrate were calculated. Angles of approach averaged ca. 24–90°, while feeding angles were ca. 90°. Duration and touches, duration and bites, and touches and bites were correlated at 0.74, 0.62, and 0.54, respectively. Video analysis of feeding kinematics showed that H. amarus uses a combination of biting into the substrate followed by rapid lateral movement of the head. Hybognathus amarus has evolved a rapid-feeding mechanism in a turbid environment that allows for tasting and feeding sequences averaging 50–80 milliseconds.
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1 March 2014
Feeding kinematics and performance of the endangered Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus)
Hugo A. Magaña
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The Southwestern Naturalist
Vol. 59 • No. 1
March 2014
Vol. 59 • No. 1
March 2014