Frightened bat rays release a chemical cue that warns other rays of danger, according to a new study from Oregon State University. This anti-predator strategy is well-known among bony fish but had not been documented in cartilaginous fish until now.
The finding emerged from experiments where researchers observed behavioral changes in bat rays receiving water flow from a tank containing a frightened ray exposed to a mock predator. The water appeared to carry a chemical disturbance cue that triggered alarm in the recipient rays.
This discovery expands understanding of communication in cartilaginous fish, which include sharks, skates, and rays. It suggests that more species in this group may rely on chemical signaling for survival than previously assumed.
The study's implications for conservation are significant, as chemical cues play critical roles in predator avoidance and social behavior. Disruption of these cues by pollution or habitat changes could jeopardize ray populations.
Further research is needed to identify the specific compound involved and whether other cartilaginous fish share this ability.