Stinky penguin poop strikes fear into the hearts of Antarctic krill

Crustaceans exposed to guano moved in zigzags and ate less algae

A close up photo of Antarctic krill

In lab experiments, Antarctic krill that smelled trouble — in the form of penguin poop — were quick to make a break for it.

Gerald Corsi/iStock/Getty Images Plus

The foul stench of penguin poop sets Antarctic krill on edge.

In lab experiments, the mere scent of penguin droppings — or guano — sent krill scrambling for escape, researchers report March 20 in Frontiers in Marine Science.