How do Guppies Avoid Different Types of Predators?

Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata) have been an important model system for examining the evolution of antipredator behavior because of the differences in aquatic predation pressures among populations. However, guppies are also prone to predation by birds, such as kingfishers, but the effects of these aerial predators on guppy behavior are virtually unknown. Using a combination of predator presentations in the lab and habitat studies in the field I discovered that guppies have a sophisticated suite of antipredator behaviors. Guppies responded strongly to potential aerial predators, indicating that birds exert a strong selection pressure on guppies. Further, the specific types of behaviors used to avoid aerial predators were much different than those used to avoid aquatic predators, suggesting that these two groups exert conflicting selection pressures. In addition, the types of antipredator behaviors guppies used appear to be population-specific, and correlate strongly with the habitat features of their particular stream. Together, these results show that guppy antipredator behavior is influenced by many different selection pressures.

Templeton, C.N. & Shriner, W.M. 2004. Multiple selection pressures influence guppy anti-predator behavior. Behavioral Ecology 15: 673-678.

Department of Biology