How poachers thwart predators: analysis of the poachers (Agonidae) postcranial body armor.

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Fishes of the genus Agonidae are bottom dwellers that all possess heavy body armor made of big bony scales. Theses scales differ from scales of other fishes by a bony network on their surface that in some species converge into a spine. The bony network is hypothesized to be a light weight augmentation of the scales thwarting predatory attacks. In this project I aim to identify protective traits of the poachers’ scales by using classical imaging techniques as well as biomechanical analysis. Furthermore, I aim to illuminate the trade-off between the poachers’ defensiveness and their maneuverability. Therefore, I will conduct simulations, empirical experiments and finally converge the findings into 3D printed kinematic models.