科學圖說

裸躄魚幼魚 防禦性嘔吐
(Defensive Vomiting by Frogfish)

裸躄魚為一種底棲、會用胸鰭行走的魚，體色常擬態海藻或海綿。兩眼之間有一凸起的釣餌，可吸引獵物靠近，然後出其不意跳起吞食獵物。行為科學家發現有些幼鳥在受到危險壓力時，會進行防禦性嘔吐，將胃中或消化的食物對敵人吐出，藉以嚇退敵人。這隻裸躄魚的幼魚在壓力下，也將胃中的食物嘔吐出來，藉此防禦自己的安全。嘔吐物為跳蝦，由此得知裸躄魚幼魚時期的食物選擇。

The frogfish Histrio histrio is a benthic species that can use its leg-like pectoral fins for walking. Its coloration mimics seaweed or sponges in the surroundings. Between its eyes is the protruding esca, which may attract prey. Once prey approaches it jumps at it and devours it alive. Behavioral scientists have discovered that juvenile birds conduct defensive vomiting when threatened. Digested food that is vomited tends to startle the enemy and make it retreat. Feeling threatened, this juvenile frogfish employed similar strategy. The vomited stomach contents contained amphipods, which reflect the diet of juvenile H. histrio.