The inducer of the feeding response in Penaeus paulensis (Crustacea-Decapoda).

When food is presented to P. paulensis, as well as to several other decapods, the animals exhibit a typical feeding behavior. The possible inducer of this response was determined by observing and analyzing their behavior when different chemicals were placed in the water, especially substances normally found in their food. L-isoleucine seems to be the most important substance in inducing such reactions.