Cold Tolerance of the Mayan Cichlid (CICHLASOMA 'NANDOPSIS' UROPHTHALMUS) and the Effects of Temperature on Teleost Physiology

Date of Award

2009

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Demski, Leo

Keywords

Thermabiology, Temperature, Fish

Area of Concentration

Marine Biology

Abstract

The Mayan cichlid (Cichlasoma �Nandopsis' urophthalmus) is an invasive species that has successfully established itself throughout southern Florida. In the past few years, several populations have successfully expanded their range to higher latitudes. An experiment was conducted in an effort to predict the limits of their northern range expansion by testing the lower limits of temperature tolerance for this fish. It was determined that the critical thermal minimum for the Mayan cichlid was 9�C. Based on these finding and average Florida stream temperatures, the potential range limits for this species are suggested. Also presented is a review of the effects of temperature on teleost physiology and the adaptations necessary for dealing with temperature change. This information provides insight into how these factors limit range expansion.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS