Cyclic Betaines act as feeding deterrents in Nereis diversicolor

Abstract

Abstract Nereis diversicolor is a widely distributed bioturbating ragworm that inhabits the coastal and estuarine regions of Northwestern Europe and is prey to numerous fish and crustacean species. In order for survival, this like many other invertebrate species, needs to develop strategies to detect and/or escape the numerous predators. The worms utilise chemical cues within the environment to aid predator detection and avoidance. Trigonelline and Homarine are cyclic betaines both present in a variety of animals within the marine environment including crustaceans and fish that are established predators of the worms and have been shown to inhibit feeding behaviours in other prey species (Poulin et al, 2018). We explored potential impacts that these chemicals have on the foraging behaviour of Nereis diversicolor populations from the Humber Estuary, UK. In lab experiments both Trigonelline and Homarine at specific concentrations (10− 3 M and 10− 4 M) significantly reduce foraging behaviour confirming that predator associated odour compounds can impact prey feeding behaviours.