Meeting Abstract
Species inhabit a variety of aquatic habitats that can fluctuate between hypoxic and normoxic conditions throughout a season. Many aquatic species exhibit changes in behavior when exposed to hypoxic conditions. Crayfish have been shown to experience adverse physiological effects due to hypoxic waters, but little is known about the crayfish’s ability to exhibit a behavioral preference in the presence of variable oxygen concentrations. The purpose of this study was to analyze the responses of the invasive crayfish, Orconectes rusticus, when exposed to varying levels of oxygen. Each animal was placed in a y-maze with each arm containing water of different oxygen concentrations, ranging from 2 to 8 mg O2 l-1. A current of 10 cm/sec was run through each arm of the y-maze. A series of three experimental scenarios were tested and included 8 v. 2 mg O2 l-1, 8 v. 4 mg O2 l-1, and 8 v. 6 mg O2 l-1. A total of 25 trails were completed for each experimental setup. After each set of trials, data was analyzed based on initial arm choice, time spent in each arm, and time spent at the upmost upstream position. Preliminary data has been quantified and is being analyzed to assess if crayfish exhibit a preference for environments with higher O2 concentrations.
