Rostrum length in the shrimp Xiphocaris elongata as an antipredator defense against fish

What is it about?

The long rostrum in the shrimp X. elongata is inducible by the predatory fish Agonostomus monticola mullet). We examined whether the long rostrum in X. elongata is a successful defense mechanism against the predatory fish A. monticola with behavioral and predatory experiments in laboratory settings. The long rostrum was an effective antipredator strategy in terms of unsuccessful attacks, bites, rejections, and handling time.

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Why is it important?

This study provides evidence in support of the hypothesis that the long rostrum in X. elongata is an effective antipredator defence against A. monticola by conferring benefits in most stages of the predator–prey interactions.