The righting response as an indication of stress in <i>stichaster striatus</i> (Echinodermata, asteroidea)

Abstract

The righting times and activity coefficients of individuals maintained under constant conditions were statistically the same when measured over four days. The activity coefficients decreased significantly after a period of emersion and then increased with subsequent re‐immersion. Thus the righting times and the calculated activity coefficients of Stichaster striatus in this study were repeatable measures that responded to stress. Multiple trials for individuals are necessary to establish righting times, and the number necessary is dependent upon the predetermined or expected magnitude of differences between individuals and treatments (minimal detectable differences).