Defense Date
12-6-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
Master of Science
Degree Name
Marine Science
First Advisor
David Kerstetter Ph.D
Second Advisor
Rosanna Milligan Ph.D
Third Advisor
Andrew Bauman Ph.D
Keywords
respiratory physiology, Gobiidae, Florida, intermittent-flow, forage fish, thermal maxima
Abstract
Forage fishes are small bodied species that form a diverse functional group, serving as a primary food source for a wide range of marine predators. This group plays a significant ecological role through energy transfer to higher trophic levels. Gobiosoma robustum (Code Goby) is a substantive diet component of several recreationally significant juvenile sportfishes in Florida estuaries. While the thermal tolerance of this species may be inferred from observational data, the absolute physiological limitations of this species remain unknown. In this study, intermittent-flow respirometry and critical thermal maxima were used to determine the response of G. robustum to chronic and acute temperature changes. Chronic exposure at 26 and 32ºC did not affect metabolic rates, but mortality may occur above 36ºC. However, metabolic rates during acute exposure at 36ºC were similar to chronic exposure at lower temperatures and CTmax trials showed a maximum tolerance of 40ºC. These experiments suggest that G. robustum can tolerate current temperatures but continued increases in warming period duration may pose a threat to its survival.
NSUWorks Citation
Karli S. Corey. 2024. Metabolic Response of the Code Goby (Gobiosoma robustum) to Estuarine Climate Change Forecasts. Master's thesis. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, . (202)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hcas_etd_all/202.