Robin Faillettaz

Evidence for a consistent use of external cues by marine fish larvae for orientation

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Date: 02-12-2022

DOI: 10.1038/S42003-022-04137-7

Abstract: The larval stage is the main dispersive process of most marine teleost species. The degree to which larval behavior controls dispersal has been a subject of debate. Here, we apply a cross-species meta-analysis, focusing on the fundamental question of whether larval fish use external cues for directional movement (i.e., directed movement). Under the assumption that directed movement results in straighter paths (i.e., higher mean vector lengths) compared to undirected, we compare observed patterns to those expected under undirected pattern of Correlated Random Walk (CRW). We find that the bulk of larvae exhibit higher mean vector lengths than those expected under CRW, suggesting the use of external cues for directional movement. We discuss special cases which erge from our assumptions. Our results highlight the potential contribution of orientation to larval dispersal outcomes. This finding can improve the accuracy of larval dispersal models, and promote a sustainable management of marine resources.

Université Lille 1 - Sciences Et Technologies

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Institut Français De Recherche Pour L'Exploitation De La Mer

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Université Pierre Et Marie Curie

Location: France

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Université Lille 1 - Sciences Et Technologies

Location: France

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University Of Miami

Location: United States of America

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Institut Français De Recherche Pour L'Exploitation De La Mer

Location: France

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IFREMER

Location: France

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