Sticking to it: testing passive pull-off forces in waterfall-climbing fishes across challenging substrates [SHORT COMMUNICATION]

In this study, we investigated the influence of surface wettability (hydrophobic versus hydrophilic surface charges) and substrate roughness on the passive adhesive system of four species of gobies with different climbing abilities. Overall, passive adhesive performance varied by species and substrate, with the strongest climbers showing the highest shear pull-off forces, particularly on rough surfaces. Thus, differences in passive adhesive performance may help to explain the ability of some species to migrate further upstream than others and contribute to their ability to invade new habitats.

Source: Journal of Experimental Biology - January 21, 2021 Category: Biology Authors: Palecek, A. M., Schoenfuss, H. L., Blob, R. W. Tags: Comparative biomechanics of movement SHORT COMMUNICATION Source Type: research