Biomechanics of burst swimming speed in prey and predatory tadpole species
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2316-9079.v25i1p43-50Keywords:
Antipredator behavior, Anuran larvae, Burst swimming speed, Ephemeral ponds, Foraging habits, Swimming movementsAbstract
Burst swimming speed of tadpoles of seven species of anurans near the city of Dharwad in southern India were studied. During the rainy season most temporary ponds harbor both prey (e.g., planktivorous and herbivorous) and predatory (e.g., omnivorous and carnivorous) tadpoles. Each tadpole species is variable in size, shape, and development. Each has its unique swimming speed, depending on its requirements. Swimming speed in tadpoles is generally used to escape aquatic predators, navigate, and forage for food. Burst swimming speed (Vmax) of the seven sympatric tadpole species belonging to four families were studied in the laboratory. Among these seven species both prey and predatory forms occurred, including Microhyla ornata (planktivorous), Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Uperodon taprobanicus, Sphaerotheca breviceps, Polypedates maculatus (herbivorous), Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (omnivorous), and Hoplobatrachus tigerinus (carnivorous). Burst swimming speed was recorded for each species in developmental stages 29–30. Swimming speed differed significantly among species. Tadpoles of the carnivorous H. tigerinus exhibited the greatest Vmax (60.21 cm/s), followed by omnivorous E. cyanophlyctis (37.90 cm/s). Herbivorous tadpoles, including P. maculatus (29.27 cm/s), S. breviceps (27.26 cm/s), U. taprobanicus (24.89 cm/s), D. melanostictus (13.58 cm/s) had lower burst speeds, while the planktivorous M. ornata (12.11 cm/s) had the lowest speed. The results of this study show that predatory tadpoles (i.e., carnivorous or omnivorous) had greater swimming speeds than prey tadpoles. Even though prey tadpoles had lower burst swimming speeds than predatory tadpoles, they are still able to avoid predators. Prey tadpoles may have a variety of antipredator mechanisms, including the use of refugia, reduction of swimming movements, prolonged immobility, and cryptic coloration. In conclusion, predatory tadpoles exhibit higher burst swimming speeds than prey tadpoles. This ability facilitates prey capture because their larger size allows them to generate more force.
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