Foraging behaviour of Patella vulgata L. in an Irish sea-lough

Abstract

The foraging movements of limpets Patella vulgata L. were studied on a vertical rock face at Lough Hyne, County Cork, Ireland. Rhythms on two adjacent grids were similar, but showed some differences in timing. Distance moved and speed of movement were related to limpet size. Feeding excursions were more regular and prolonged on spring tides than on neaps. Limpets high on the shore were active ony at night, at low water, when they moved vertically up the rock face. They fed in habitats unlike those surrounding their homes, mainly on rock that was either bare, or covered by lichens. Limpets near mid-tide level did not move preferentially in any one direction, and they appeared to show no choice of feeding area. Limpets low on the shore were active near the times of low water both at night and during the day. They tended to move horizontally and, at least on some occasions, they chose areas of low barnacle density in which to feed. The feeding patterns seen at different tidal heights are discussed in relation to growth rates. © 1988.