Behaviour of Cyclopoid, Harpacticoid, and Calanoid Copepods from Coastal Waters of Taiwan

Abstract

Cinematographic techniques were used to compare behaviour patterns of three cyclopoid, one harpacticoid, and two calanoid species of copepods from coastal waters of Taiwan. Behaviour was quantified in terms of allocation of time to swimming versus non‐swimming behaviour, and behavioural transitions/minute. The different species of copepods exhibited different patterns of behaviour. Oithona nana and O. similis had long periods of inactivity punctuated by comparatively few transitions to intermittent leaps of motion. Oncaea venusta had a more jerky pattern of numerous small hops with frequent transitions between motion and rest. Macrosetella gracilis spent more time swimming than did the cyclopoids, but with fewer behavioural transitions than O. venusta, more like the Oithona species. Temora turbinala swam virtually continuously and transitions to non‐swimming were rare. Undinula vulgaris var. taiwanicus frequently alternated between upward motion and sinking at rest, making a feeding current about a fourth of the time. There was considerable intraspecific variability between individual animals, but for reasons of experimental design, it was impossible to statistically test the significance of this variation. Differences in behaviour patterns between the different species are discussed within the context of what is known about the feeding ecology of these species from previous investigations.