BEHAVIORAL-RESPONSES OF PIKE (ESOX-LUCIUS L) TO A GOLDFISH (CARASSIUS-AURATUS L) SKIN EXTRACT IN OLFACTOMETER

The effects of crude solutions (EE) and reconstituted free amino acid fraction (FAA) from a goldfish skin extract (Carassius auratus L.) were analysed on attraction and exploratory behaviour of pike (Esox lucius L.) in olfactometer. Significant effects were observed in response to the different solutions and concentrations tested (EE : 0.005; 0.05; 0.5 goldfish-equivalent/l; FAA : 0.5 goldfish-equivalent/l). The stimulatory efficiency of the crude epidermic solutions on exploration was found to increase as the concentration tested decreased. Attraction to crude solutions increased with the concentration. The stimulatory efficiency of reconstituted free amino acid fraction on exploration and attraction was lower than the one observed in response to the crude solution. These results are discussed in the light of some data on the role of skin secretions and amino acids in chemocommunication of fish.