Impact of light cycles on behavior of marine fish / by Katelyn Benjamin

Behavior changes in response to light and dark cycles have been shown in many different organisms. To examine the effect of 24-hour light cycles on aquatic animals mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus) were exposed to a 24-hour light cycle. The controls for this experiment were held under normal long- and short-day light cycles. Behavior and body mass were evaluated for each group. It is hypothesized that there will be a difference in behaviors and body mass in the treatment group compared to the control groups. Fish exposed to 24-hour light cycles did exhibit different exploratory behavior but showed no difference in social behavior. Body mass reflected normal growth in all three treatments, suggesting no impact of stress.