Instrumentation for behaviour studies of marine animals

Abstract

Principles, salient features and applications of electronic instruments developed for behaviour studies of sedentary animals and fish in the laboratory under simulated conditions are discussed. Fish activity recorder senses the vibrations produced in water as a measure of activity of fishes kept in an experimental tank. The signals picked by a sensor kept in water are processed to indicate both qualitative and quantitative information regarding the activity. Cirri beatings are sensed by a sensor whose antenna is made to float on water above the cirri of the animal. The sensor kept on the upper shell of the animal picks up the oyster shell movements. The basic information on the responses of the animals to simulated conditions can be extrapolated to field conditions along with environmenttal data gathered by other means for better fishry forecasting and ecological studies