Herbivorous Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Exhibit Greater Olfactory Response to Amino Acids Than Filter-Feeding Bighead (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)

Due to their invasiveness in North America, grass (Ctenopharyngodon idella), bighead (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) are management priorities. Comparing electrophysiological responses to olfactory cues, such as amino acids, could help identify stimuli to facilitate management efforts (i.e., repellants or baits). We assessed olfactory response magnitude to individual amino acids between fish species using electro-olfactogram recording techniques (EOG). We measured EOG responses (peak EOG magnitude) of juvenile grass (n = 21), bighead (n = 21), and silver carp (n = 22) to 10(-4) molar amino acid solutions containing one of L-alanine, L-arginine, L-aspartic acid, L-asparagine, L-glutamine, or L-glutamic acid. Amino acid EOG responses differed across species; grass carp had the greatest mean EOG response. Statistical analyses showed no inter- or intra-specific differences in EOG response among amino acids. The greater EOG response of grass carp matched their selective grazing habits compared to more passive, generalist-tending, filter-feeding bighead and silver carp. All amino acids elicited significant EOG responses in all species, meaning they are candidates for future behavioral research. Such research could explore the management potential of amino acids, testing if amino acids are attractants or deterrents that could facilitate the removal of these fishes by congregating and/or directing movement.

Automated summary

Grass, bighead, and silver carp are management priorities due to their invasiveness in North America. Comparing electrophysiological responses to olfactory cues, such as amino acids, could help identify stimuli for management efforts. Olfactory response magnitude to individual amino acids differed among fish species, with grass carp having the greatest response. All amino acids elicited significant responses in all species, suggesting their potential for future behavioral research.