Anti-predator response of Haliotis tuberculata is modified after only one generation of domestication

Abstract

Domestication of Haliotis tuberculata has only recently begun. During the process, we expect that behavioural and physiological traits may evolve to become more adapted to their captive environment. These modifications may result from intentional selection of production traits or unconscious and unintentional selection due to conditions experienced in the farm environment. To study this process at the earliest stage, the progeny of 3 different broodstocks obtained from wild parents, selected farmed abalone and randomly sampled farmed abalone, were studied. After rearing for 16 mo in separate tanks, offspring from the 3 progenies were placed together in sea cages at the same density. After 3 yr, behavioural traits were studied, and the immune status after a stress situation was assessed. Mortality and growth were also recorded. In spite of the fact that no significant differences were observed in survival, growth or immune status traits between the 3 progenies, less progeny from the selected broodstock performed the complete sequence of anti-predation behaviour, and they took more time to reach their hides compared to the wild progeny. In addition, the shell colours of the selected progeny were more orange and had more stripes compared to the brown-green colour of the wild progeny. Progeny of randomly sampled broodstock showed intermediate responses between those of wild and selected progeny. Our results suggest that associated behavioural trade-offs can take place after only one generation of selection to improve growth. This should be taken into consideration when using selected stocks for ranching or population enhancement programs.

No evident effect of domestication on the anti-predator behaviour of European abalone (Haliotis tuberculata): Implications for stock enhancement programs

“…The behavioural responses were qualitatively similar and were consistent with previously reported stereotypical behaviours (e.g. mucus ejection followed by an evasive move away from the contact area) (Bullock, 1953;Feder, 1963;Parsons and Macmillan, 1979;Day et al, 1995;Bancalà, 2009;Roussel et al, 2019). When the mucus is ejected, it drifts through the water and carries the smell of abalone and the starfish may therefore be unable to detect the abalone position (Day et al, 1995).…”

“…The domestication of most abalone species has begun recently (Roussel et al, 2019), and only a few studies have characterized the potential effects of domestication on abalone behaviours. Lachambre et al (2017 a) reported that three-year-old hatchery-reared H. tuberculata exhibited fewer reactions to stimulation of their foot compared to wild specimens.…”

“…J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f Roussel et al (2019) reported that adult H. tuberculata reared from farmed broodstock exhibited a decrease in predator avoidance compared to abalone from wild broodstock. However, no previous studies have determined whether these behavioural impairments occur in younger H. tuberculata, and the behavioural interactions between juveniles and predators are not well understood.…”

Change of Foraging and Hiding Behaviors in the Pacific Abalone Haliotis discus hannai in Response to Elevated Seawater Temperature

“…These results suggest that when both shelter and food were provided, the abalones more actively foraged at higher temperature than at lower temperature, which was not the case with hiding behavior. This can be considered as a decision of the abalone based on the trade-off between feeding and predation escape behaviors (Roussel et al 2019). Food availability and satiation can influence the hiding behavior of abalones.…”

“…These hiding and foraging behaviors are important for their survival and growth because they reduce the risk of predation and increase food consumption. Although abalones can detect predators by chemosensory and tactile cues (Hansen and Gosselin 2016;Roussel et al 2019), light is the basic trigger that induces hiding and foraging (Gorrostieta-Hurtado and Searcy-Bernal 2004;Pereira et al 2007;Searcy-Bernal et al 2003). We hypothesized that foraging and hiding behaviors of juvenile H. discus hannai would be enhanced by temperature increase.…”