Brief description
This study examined the relationship between personality traits and a number of biological traits in the southern dumpling squid, Euprymna tasmanica. There were 2 contexts in which traits were measured - domain-general or context-specific manner, and four personality traits were measured (shy avoidance-bold aggression, activity, bury persistence and reactivity). Trait expression was context specific, and trait variation was partially explained by maturity and size, but had no links to gender or somatic/reproductive condition.Lineage
Maintenance and Update Frequency: notPlanned
Statement: ANIMAL COLLECTION & MAINTENANCE
Animals were collected from Kelso, northern Tasmania by snorkel or SCUBA in 2002 (n=97). Squid were maintained at the University of Tasmania, Launceston labs. Individuals were held in separate plastic containers (34x29x13 cm) floating in a 2000 L recirculating seawater system. After testing, squid were euthanized by chilling, then frozen. Squid were later dissected and the following variables recorded: gender, mantle length, total wet weight and gonad complex weight.
BEHAVIOURAL EXPERIMENTS
6-12 hours prior to testing all containers were covered to prevent disturbance to individuals not being tested. Each squid was subject to 2 tests per testing day. Testing began 1-2 hours after the start of the dark phase. Each individual was tested twice weekly for 2 weeks. Behaviour variables measured: number of touches, first behaviour after touch, jet, grab, arm flower posture, log time spent moving, amble, colour change, fin swim, log time to first bury, bury, and ink.
Threat test:- The test subject was touched on the arm by a plastic eyedropper that was moved toward the subject at approximately 3cm/s until they moved away or up to 10 touches. Behaviours were recorded for 5 minutes from first movement (or 10th touch).
Feeding test:- This component occurred 60-90 minutes after the threat test. Live food (mysid shrimp) were placed in the test container - furthest from the squid. Behaviours were recorded for 5 minutes or until 5 prey items had been captured.
Frequency and duration of behaviours were recorded using an audiocassette recorder and handheld timer. Feeding distance was measured using a digital video camera (distance from sitting position to tentacluar strike).
Notes
CreditMoltschaniwskyj, N.A.
Credit
Schools of Aquaculture and Plant Science at UTAS
Schools of Aquaculture and Plant Science at UTAS
Credit
Holsworth Wildlife grant provide partial funding
Holsworth Wildlife grant provide partial funding
Purpose
This project had 3 main aims: 1. to examine whether discrete behaviours in Euprymna tasmanica could be grouped to describe personality traits 2. to assess whether these traits are expressed in a domain-general or context-specific manner; 3. to examine the relationship between personality trait and biological factors (sex, maturity, size, reproductive and somatic condition).
This project had 3 main aims: 1. to examine whether discrete behaviours in Euprymna tasmanica could be grouped to describe personality traits 2. to assess whether these traits are expressed in a domain-general or context-specific manner; 3. to examine the relationship between personality trait and biological factors (sex, maturity, size, reproductive and somatic condition).
Created: 17 11 2008
Data time period: 16 02 2002 to 30 06 2002
text: westlimit=146.5; southlimit=-41.5; eastlimit=147; northlimit=-41
Subjects
23 609001 |
ANIMALS/INVERTEBRATES |
Animal personality |
BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION |
Biological Sciences |
Behavioural Ecology |
Behavioural development |
Biosphere | Ecological Dynamics | Life History |
Context-specific |
EARTH SCIENCE |
Ecology |
Euprymna tasmanica |
Individual variation |
Mollusks |
Marine and Estuarine Ecology (Incl. Marine Ichthyology) |
biota |
User Contributed Tags
Login to tag this record with meaningful keywords to make it easier to discover
Other Information
Identifiers
- global : f1329cb3-8574-468e-951b-8fba893e52ba