Marine heatwaves of different magnitudes have contrasting effects on herbivore behaviour.

ABSTRACT

Global climate change is leading to shifts in abiotic conditions. Short-term temperature stresses induced by marine heatwaves (MHWs) can affect organisms both during and after the events. However, the recovery capacity of organisms is likely dependent on the magnitude of the initial stress event. Here, we experimentally assessed the effect of MHW magnitude on behavioural and physiological responses of a common marine gastropod, Lunella granulata, both during and after the MHW. Self-righting behaviours tended to become faster under moderate MHWs, whereas there was a trend toward these behaviours slowing under extreme MHWs. After a recovery period at ambient temperatures, individuals that experienced extreme MHWs showed persistent small, but not significant, negative effects. Survival and oxygen consumption rates were unaffected by MHW magnitude both during and after the event. While extreme MHWs may have negative behavioural consequences for tropical marine gastropods, their physiological responses may allow continued survival.