Bluefin trevally (Caranx melampygus) or ‘omilu in Hawaiian are able to detect dimethylsulfoniopropionate (say that 5 times fast, or just say DMSP). DMSP is a chemical produced by phytoplankton (marine algae) that is an indicator of food productivity. This chemosensory adaptation is important for foraging success!

[Photo and caption by Karli Chudeau]

DeBose, J.L., Nevitt, G.A. & Dittman, A.H. (2010). Rapid Communication: Experimental Evidence that Juvenile Pelagic Jacks (Carangidae) Respond Behaviorally to DMSP. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 36(326), 326-328, doi: 10.1007/s10886-010-9755-9.