Distance chemoreception‐triggered avoidance behavior of the limpets Acmaea (Collisella) limatula and Acmaea (Notoacmea) scutum to the predatory starfish pisaster ochraceus

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Abstract
In a flow of normal seawater, populations of the limpets Acmaea (Collisella) limatula and Acmaea (Notoacmea) scutum on a horizontal surface moved upstream (positive rheotaxis). In contrast, when the scent of the predatory starfish Pisaster ochraceus was present in the water current, populations moved downstream. On a vertical surface in a flow of normal (control) water, the populations moved strongly upward in the dark (negative geotaxis) and away from light (negative phototaxis). In the presence of Pisaster scent, negative geotaxis was increased both in the light and in the dark. Negative geotaxis appeared to be a stronger response than negative rheotaxis in the presence of Pisaster scent, since limpets on a vertical surface with starfish scent in a current directed downward from above still moved up. A sample of limpets tested repeatedly in the presence of Pisaster scent was found to contain individuals differing significantly in the number of positive responses evoked and the vertical distance traveled during a response. The adaptive significance of the responses is discussed.