A method of detecting reaction to environmental influence by recording circadian activity, using the flagfish Jordanella floridae

• Main Author: Kano, Robert Matsuo
• Format: Others
• Published: Scholarly Commons 1974
• Subjects: Aquatic biology Research; Fishes Behavior Climatic factors; Bioclimatology; Cyprinodontidae; Life Sciences
• Online Access: https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/1851; https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2850&context=uop_etds

This paper investigates a means of detecting the reaction of aquatic vertebrates to environmental change by recording behavioral patterns within the diurnal activity. An apparatus measuring the activity of Jordanella floridae, Goode and Bean, using a photoelectric sensor system is described. Individual sensors monitored specific areas of the test aquarium that had special significance to the fish in the way of a particular behavioral category. An event recorder documented the breakage of light beams, giving continuous and accurately timed data of activity. Two distinct patterns of activity were recognized; a control, or typical, pattern, and a pattern resulting from the administration of a large (10°C) change in environmental temperature. Modifications in the diurnal behavior were consistent with reactions that could be adaptive for the species under similar conditions in nature.