Fish kairomones, its benefits and detriments: A model based study both from releaser and acceptor perspective

Kairomones have been documented as an infochemicals to convey information between individuals in aquatic system. However, whether the effect of fish kairomones on acceptor (zooplankton) is beneficial or detrimental is a debatable and unanswered issue. This may be due to lack of feasibility of experimentation. In this study, we theoretically explore how fish kairomones affect the aquatic food chain and provide possible explanation of such different behaviors of kairomones. To do this, we propose two hypotheses and formulate two simple mathematical models which resemble more realistic scenario synergetic with natural complex system. Our study suggests that vertical migration helps zooplankton species for proper conservation of its abundance by avoiding unnecessary over predation.

► We theoretically explore whether the effect of fish kairomones on acceptor (zooplankton) is beneficial or detrimental. ► Some laboratory experiment results suggest the negative effect of kairomone on zooplankton population. ► Other studies suggest that it is beneficial for zooplankton population. ► Mathematically we show that kairomones may have detrimental effect on zooplankton in laboratory experiments. ► But in natural systems, in presence of higher trophic level and other factors, it appears beneficial.