Factors contributing to the intraspecific variation of hypoxia tolerance in juvenile striped bass (Morone saxatilis)
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Date
2013-02-25
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Towson University. Department of Biological Sciences
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Copyright protected, all rights reserved.
There are no restrictions on access to this document. An internet release form signed by the author to display this document online is on file with Towson University Special Collections and Archives.
There are no restrictions on access to this document. An internet release form signed by the author to display this document online is on file with Towson University Special Collections and Archives.
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Abstract
Hypoxia in coastal waters is a growing concern. Hypoxic zones in the Chesapeake Bay may pose a threat to the striped bass (Morone saxatilis) population. Hypoxia tolerance can be extremely variable among individual fish of similar size. How well an individual copes with hypoxia is determined by many factors. The purpose of this study is to investigate two factors thought to influence intraspecific variation in hypoxia tolerance: (1) locomotion and (2) social status. Individual striped bass were exposed to hypoxia individually and in groups. When exposed individually they were tested in both static flow (< 3 cm s-1) and moderate flow conditions (50% estimated Ucrit). When exposed in groups, behavioral observations were made before exposure to determine social status of individuals. Individuals were found to be much less tolerant of hypoxia when forced to swim in moderate flow conditions, and social status did not have an effect on hypoxia tolerance.