Efecto de acidificación oceánica en parámetros fisiológicos y comportamentales como indicadores de respuesta neurobiológica en Abudefduf troschelii.

Abstract

Ocean acidification, resulting from the excessive increase of carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere due to human activities, represents a significant threat to marine ecosystems, especially affecting calcifying organisms and physiological processes. In this context, the present study focused on evaluating the effects of ocean acidification on the behavior and physiology of juvenile Abudefduf troschelii, a native species of the Ecuadorian coast. A controlled experiment was designed, exposing for 13 days to 2 pH levels: C or Control (current seawater conditions with aeration); T1 or low pH 7.30 (Δ -0.6) determined with respect to seawater values monitored in the system weeks before. Before and after exposure to ocean acidification conditions, key behavioral indicators were recorded, for novel tank: distance traveled to pass half the tank; time on passing half the tank; total distance traveled; time over half the tank and for mirror betting: time in approaching the mirror; distance traveled to reach the mirror; total distance traveled; time elapsed inside the interaction zone; time elapsed outside the interaction zone, in addition, anesthesia processes were performed to evaluate induction, anesthesia and recovery times.