Artificial light at night alters the locomotor behavior of the Mediterranean sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus

Artificial light at night may significantly alter the locomotor behavior of the Mediterranean sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus.

• Sea urchins exhibited a tendency to move away from light sources in illuminated conditions.
• In dark conditions, the movement direction of sea urchins was consistent and uniform.
• Increased light intensity was associated with shorter latency times and higher movement speeds.
• Locomotor performance showed lower sinuosity when exposed to artificial light.
• These behavioral changes may have cascading effects on marine ecosystems.

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