Fish Ecophysiology Lab
The Fish Ecophysiology lab includes five recirculating systems, each containing nine 10-gallon tanks and three 30-gallon tanks. Temperature-controlled sumps can produce stable or diel fluctuating temperatures ranging from 8 to 32 C. We use these systems to house fish, thermally acclimate them, and perform behavioral and physiological assays.
The lab also includes a fully automated intermittent flow respirometer (Loligo®) capable of measuring respiration of fishes and other aquatic organisms across a range of temperatures and body sizes.
Intermittent flow respirometer measuring routine metabolic rates of Mexican tetras (Astyanax mexicanus). Photo credit: Matt Troia
One of five recirculating systems. Photo credit: Matt Troia
Field Studies
We have a full size 4x4 pick-up truck, backpack electrofishing equipment, seines, and in situ data loggers
(e.g., temperature, flow intermittency) for measuring most biotic and abiotic characteristics of wadeable streams. We also collaborate with TPWD Inland Fisheries to perform fish and habitat surveys in non-wadeable freshwaters using boat electrofishing.
Shock-seining a wadeable stream in south Texas. Photo credit: Matt Troia
Fieldwork in Arizona, spring 2021. Photo credit: Matt Troia