Thermal Tolerance and Behavioral Responses of Sunburst Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

Publication Date

Spring 2025

Presentation Length

Poster/Gallery presentation

College

College of Sciences & Mathematics

Department

Biology, Department of

Student Level

Undergraduate

SPARK Category

Research

Faculty Advisor

Ross Andrew

SPARK Session

Poster Session 10:15-11:45

Presentation Type

Poster

Summary

Global warming and climate change pose significant threats to aquatic ecosystems, altering water temperature and affecting the behavior, physiology, and survival of fishes and other populations. The effects of global warming on aquatic biodiversity can be evaluated by realizing how freshwater animals respond to thermal stress. This experiment examines the thermal tolerance and behavior of Sunburst Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) via a procedure of increasing and decreasing water temperature and observing changes in dissolved oxygen levels and stress signs. These factors will be measured and observed in comparison to the control tank, where the conditions will be kept the same, excluding the temperature factor.

Using a Fluval M50 submersible heater, temperatures will be increased from 24°C to 30°C in regulated increments. The fish's behavior, including swimming patterns, gasping, reproduction, and, if viable, loss of equilibrium, will be observed during this temperature change. The predicted results will establish Sunburst Platy's thermal limits and provide an insight into how warming waters can impact their activity and viability. The findings form part of a whole of information relating to climate change effects on freshwater fish species and the importance of close observation of temperature shifts within natural and man-made aquatic ecosystems.

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