Fish are the same way -- one bass grabs a madtom and it's like a platefull of
hot peppers. Another grabs one, thinks, "SPICY!" and heads off in search of
another. :)
JW.
Quoting Christopher Gutmann <cgutmann-in-dupageforest.com>:
> It is indeed a defensive mechanism in madtoms. Studies have demonstrated
> that the venom causes temporary paralysis in some predatory fishes. In order
> for the venom to be released, the integument around the spines needs to be
> broken. In other words, an individual needs to suffer physical damage (i.e.,
> be attacked) for the venom to be released. In pilot studies that I conducted
> years ago, I observed madtoms frequently surviving attacks. As soon as the
> predators were envenomated, they quickly spit out the madtom. Furthermore,
> the predators in the study refrained from subsequent attacks on madtoms
> during the trials. This, of course, may not be a universal response with all
> predators, but it illustrates that madtoms can survive attacks from some
> predators. Could the venom serve other purposes? Most certainly. However,
> the delivery mechanism and the nature of the venom imply that it likely
> evolved as an antipredatory response.
>
> Chris Gutmann
> Des Plaines River drainage
> Oak Brook, Illinois
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-nanfa-l-in-nanfa.org [owner-nanfa-l-in-nanfa.org]On Behalf Of
> Bob Muller
> Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 8:21 PM
> To: nanfa-l-in-nanfa.org
> Subject: NANFA-L-- Michigan Chapter
>
>
>
>
> Last week I gave a talk on native fishes to the Clinton Valley chapter of
> Trout Unlimited. It was well received with lots of questions and interest in
> the other fish in their trout streams. One question I have never gotten
> before. In talking about the madtoms venom I was asked what for. I would
> guess it helps them from being eaten any other ideas.
>
>
>
> Bob Muller
>
> Red Run (the ghost river of Royal Oak)
>
> a tributary of the Clinton River, Michigan
>
>
>
>
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