The role of vision for navigation in the crown-of-thorns seastar, Acanthaster planci.

Abstract in brief

• The study investigates the role of vision in the navigation and foraging behavior of the crown-of-thorns seastar (Acanthaster planci), which is a major predator damaging coral reefs.
• Results show that vision helps A. planci detect reef structures from at least 5 meters away, while chemoreception is only effective at very close range, suggesting vision plays a crucial role in locating reefs and prey at intermediate distances.
• These findings imply that vision allows A. planci to effectively navigate between reef structures and improve feeding, especially in challenging environments with strong currents and chemical cues that hinder chemoreception.