The effects of sub-lethal salinity concentrations on the anti-predator responses of fathead minnows

Abstract

Salinization, both natural and anthropogenic, of inland waters is a major facet of environmental change, and can have detrimental effects on aquatic systems. Fish facing increasing levels of salinity must do more than simply survive salinization, they must also undertake important behaviours such as predator avoidance. Here, we exposed fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) to three levels of salinity crossed by three levels of predation risk cues. We found a reduction in pre-stimulus movement and a lowered intensity of anti-predator response for the highest salinity exposure (8000 ppm). We also found that the typical threat-sensitive anti-predator response (an important behaviour conferring fitness advantages) was absent in the two highest salinity exposure treatments. Our data demonstrate that salinization can have negative effects on critical behaviours well below physiological tolerance levels.