Rheotaxis of Elvers of the American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) in the Laboratory to Water from Different Streams in Nova Scotia

Abstract

In an experimental apparatus, elvers of the American eel (Anguilla rostrata) showed a stronger positive rheotaxis to fresh water than to salt water. The attractiveness of the fresh water was due to dissolved and particulate organic matter; these components were bio-degradable, heat stable, and nonvolatile. Four streams near Halifax, Nova Scotia, were tested, and were found to differ greatly in their attraction of elvers. Elvers were collected from each of three of these streams, and were not found to be attracted to their own stream water; elvers from one stream gave a greater rheotactic response than elvers from the other streams. The presence of adult eels in the water rendered it more attractive, whereas the presence of elvers made it less so.