The angular position of a refuge affects escape responses in staghorn sculpin Leptocottus armatus.

Abstract

The effect of the presence and angular position of a refuge on the direction and kinematics of mechanically-induced escape responses was observed in staghorn sculpins Leptocottus armatus using high-speed video. The results showed that the angular position of the refuge did not affect locomotor performance (speed and acceleration), although it did affect the escape trajectories. Therefore, the angular position of a refuge can modulate the direction taken by the L. armatus during the early stages of their escape response and this response can be affected by both repulsive (i.e. threats) and attractive (i.e. refuges) points of reference.