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For these freshwater snails, the siphon is an anti-predator adaptation. It reduces their vulnerability to being attacked and eaten by birds because it enables the apple snails to breathe without having to come all the way up to the surface, where they are easily visible to predators. [6]
Anti-predator adaptation in action: the kitefin shark (a–c) and the Atlantic wreckfish (d–f) attempt to prey on hagfishes. First, the predators approach their potential prey. Predators bite or try to swallow the hagfishes, but the hagfishes have already projected jets of slime (arrows) into the predators' mouths.
Estuarine invertebrate larvae avoid predators by developing in the open ocean, where there are fewer predators. This is done using reverse tidal vertical migrations. Larvae use tidal cycles and estuarine flow regimes to aid their departure to the ocean, a process that is well-studied in many estuarine crab species.
Nautilus have been observed to spend days in deeper areas around coral reefs, to avoid predation from turtles and carnivorous fish, and ascend to shallow areas of the reef during nights. [18] [11] Here, they engage in scavenging activity, seeking out animal remains, and the moults of crustaceans. Nautilus species usually travel and feed alone.
In estuarine sites Chiton glaucus are found under bivalve shells and stones, particularly cockles as to avoid visual predators during daylight hours. [2] This is compared to being found on stones and cobbles in more exposed areas. [2] This chiton is able to survive in muddy areas, particularly estuaries. [7]
Various body parts of the crustacean will have a different mineral content, varying the hardness at these locations with the harder areas being generally stronger. This calcite shell provides protection for the crustaceans, meaning between molting cycles the crustacean must avoid predators while it waits for its calcite shell to form and harden.
The stop-start motion provided by the jets, however, continues to be useful for providing bursts of high speed – not least when capturing prey or avoiding predators. [14] Indeed, it makes cephalopods the fastest marine invertebrates, [ 15 ] : Preface and they can out accelerate most fish. [ 16 ]
Without such shells, slugs produce mucus, that may also contain toxins—to deter predators. Terrestrial slugs produce two other forms of mucus that facilitate locomotion and prevent death from drying. Such mollusks are hermaphroditic. Slugs most often function as decomposers but are also often omnivores.