The ‘lie-in-wait’ feeding mode of a cryptic teleost, Synanceia verrucosa

Abstract

Synopsis The foraging strategy of the stonefish, Synanceia verrucosa was investigated. Using regular-and high-speed cinematography (32-1,000 fps), experiments were designed to test the idea that the stonefish utilizes a functional repertoire of feeding modes that depend on prey location. A kinematic profile of each feeding mode is described and illustrated. Foraging in this cryptic predator with a consideration of its associated ambush site is discussed.