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J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol

Title:		"Socializing makes thick-skinned individuals: on the density of epidermal alarm substance cells in cyprinid fish, the crucian carp (Carassius carassius)"
Author(s):		Stabell OB; Vegusdal A;
Address:		"Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, Serviceboks 422, 4604, Kristiansand, Norway. ole.b.stabell@uia.no"
Journal Title:		J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol
Year:		2010
Volume:		20100627
Issue:		9
Page Number:		639 - 647
DOI:		10.1007/s00359-010-0550-4
ISSN/ISBN:		1432-1351 (Electronic) 0340-7594 (Linking)
Abstract:		"In cyprinid fish, density of epidermal club cells (i.e. alarm substance cells) has been found to vary between lakes with different predator fauna. Because predators can be labelled with chemical cues from prey, we questioned if club cell density could be controlled indirectly by predators releasing prey cues. In particular, we suspected a possible feedback mechanism between chemical alarm signals and their cellular source. We raised crucian carp singly and in groups of four. For both rearing types, fish were exposed to skin extracts of either conspecifics or brown trout (without club cells), and provided either low or high food rations. Independent of rearing type, condition factor and club cell density increased with food ration size, but no change was found in club cell density following exposure to conspecific alarm signals. However, the density of club cells was found significantly higher for fish raised in groups than for fish raised alone. We conclude that an increased condition factor results in more club cells, but crucian carp may also possess an awareness of conspecific presence, given by higher club cell densities when raised in groups. This increase in club cell density may be induced by unknown chemical factors released by conspecifics"
Keywords:		"Animals Behavior, Animal/*physiology Carps/*anatomy & histology/*physiology *Epidermal Cells Epidermis/metabolism Pheromones/metabolism;"
Notes:		"MedlineStabell, Ole B Vegusdal, Anne eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Germany 2010/06/29 J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol. 2010 Sep; 196(9):639-47. doi: 10.1007/s00359-010-0550-4. Epub 2010 Jun 27"