1. Fishes as prey: avoiding predation Avoidance of predators Adaptations of prey

2. Predator – Prey arms race Co-evolution of predatory and escape mechanisms –Morphological adaptations –Behavioral adaptations –Ecological adaptations “ there is no perfect predatory nor perfect escape tactic”

3. Predation Cycle Search Pursuit Attack Capture Handling of Prey

4. Detection avoidance Camouflage (avoidance of visual predators) Appearance of something unrecognizable Disappearance - become invisible –Protective resemblance Resemble background Resemble inedible objects Resemble predators

5. Detection avoidance Camouflage (avoidance of visual predators) Appearance of something unrecognizable Disappearance - become invisible –Protective resemblance Resemble background Resemble inedible objects Resemble predators –Disruptive coloration Daytime Nightime

6. Detection avoidance Pelagic camouflage (avoidance of visual predators) –Countershading

7. Looking downwardsLooking upwards

8. Looking downwards

10. Detection avoidance Pelagic camouflage (avoidance of visual predators) –Countershading –Mirror sides

11. Mirror Sides

12. Detection avoidance Pelagic camouflage (avoidance of visual predators) –Countershading –Mirror sides –Transparency

13. Detection avoidance Pelagic camouflage (avoidance of visual predators) –Countershading –Mirror sides –Transparency –Counterillumination (Bioluminescence)

14. Hatchetfish Myctophid lanternfish

15. Detection avoidance Pelagic camouflage (avoidance of visual predators) –Countershading –Mirror sides –Transparency –Counterillumination (Bioluminescence) Olfaction avoidance (Avoidance of olfactory predators) – Mucous cocoon

16. Pursuit evasion Morphological adaptations –Stout and/or sharp spines –Poisonous spines –Toxic fishes Usually with Aposematic Coloration (but not always)

17. Pursuit evasion Morphological adaptations –Stout and sharp spines –Poisonous spines –Toxic fishes Usually with Aposemotic Coloration Behavioral adaptations –Use of bottom shelter –Use of holes and caves –Flying

18. Capture and Handling discouragement Body armours Long dorsal and anal spines Extra deep bodies Inflation Erection of sharp spines ….