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.) wer e analysed on attraction and exploratory behaviour of pike (Esox luciu s L.) in olfactometer. Significant effects were observed in response t o the different solutions and concentrations tested (EE : 0.005; 0.05; 0.5 goldfish-equivalent/l; FAA : 0.5 goldfish-equivalent/l). The stim ulatory efficiency of the crude epidermic solutions on exploration was found to increase as the concentration tested decreased. Attraction t o crude solutions increased with the concentration. The stimulatory ef ficiency of reconstituted free amino acid fraction on exploration and attraction was lower than the one observed in response to the crude so lution. These results are discussed in the light of some data on the r ole of skin secretions and amino acids in chemocommunication of fish.