The effect of size on the fast-start performance of rainbow trout Salmo cairdneri, and a consideration of piscivorous predator-prey interactions.

The fast-start (acceleration) performance of seven groups of rainbow trout from 9-6 to 38-7 cm total length was measured in response to d.c. electric shock stimuli. Two fast-start kinematic patterns, L- and S-start were observed. In L-starts the body was bent into an L or U shape and a recoil turn normally accompanied acceleration. Free manoeuvre was not possible in L-starts without loss of speed. In S-starts the body was bent into an S-shape and fish accelerated without a recoil turn. The frequency of S-starts increased with size from 0 for the smallest fish to 60-65% for the largest fish. Acceleration turns were common. The radius of smallest turn for both fast-start patterns was proportional to length (L) with an overall radius of 0-17 L. The duration of the primary acceleration stages increased with size from 0-07 s for the group of smallest fish to 0-10 s for the group of largest fish. Acceleration rates were independent of size. The overall mean maximum rate was 3438 cm/s2 and the average value to the end of the primary acceleration movements was 1562 cm/s2. The distance covered and velocity attained after a given time for fish accelerating from rest were independent of size. The results are discussed in the context of interactions between a predator and prey fish following initial approach by the predator. It is concluded that the outcome of an interaction is likely to depend on reaction times of interacting fish responding to manoeuvres initiated by the predator or prey. The prey reaction time results in the performance of the predator exceeding that of the prey at any instant. The predator reaction time and predator error in responses to unpredictable prey manoeuvre are required for prey escape. It is predicted that a predator should strike the prey within 0-1 s if the fish are initially 5-15 cm apart as reported in the literature for predator-prey interactions. These distances would be increased for non-optimal prey escape behaviour and when the prey body was more compressed or depressed than the predator.