Refuge quality to cope with UV radiation affects energy allocation in an intertidal fish

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a primary environmental stressor for marine species inhabiting intertidal pools. Thus, the use of microhabitats as refuges is key to protect organisms against this stressor. In this study, we compared the quality of rocky and algae as refuges for the intertidal fish Gir...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine pollution bulletin 2018-05, Vol.130, p.268-270
Main Authors: Vargas, Juan, Duarte, Cristian, Galban-Malagón, Cristóbal, Roberto García-Huidobro, M., Aldana, Marcela, Pulgar, José
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Algae
Animals
Body Weight
Ecophysiology
Ecosystem
Energy
Environment
Environmental stress
Fish
Fishes - metabolism
Girella laevifrons
Habitats
Intertidal pools
Marine environment
Microhabitat
Microhabitats
Oxygen Consumption
Refuges
Tides
Ultraviolet radiation
Ultraviolet Rays
UV radiation
Weight gain
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Summary:Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a primary environmental stressor for marine species inhabiting intertidal pools. Thus, the use of microhabitats as refuges is key to protect organisms against this stressor. In this study, we compared the quality of rocky and algae as refuges for the intertidal fish Girella laevifrons exposed to UV radiation. Refuge quality was studied by evaluating oxygen consumption and weight gain in control and UV-exposed fish. Rocky-refuge fish consumed less oxygen and gained significantly more weight than algal-refuge fish. The obtained results support the importance of refuge quality on energetic balance of intertidal organisms, where energy can be differentially allocated towards key life processes such as protection/repair or growth. Energy trade-offs need to be considered in research concerning animals inhabiting stressful habitats. •Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of shelter type on fish response under UV irradiance.•Rocky shelter promotes low oxygen consumption and fish weigh gain.•Shelter's quality should be considered in evaluations of UV impact on energetic animal performance.
ISSN:0025-326X
1879-3363
DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.03.051