Final 1, Effects of Colored Lights on Goldfish Behavior

This topic submitted by Jenna Green, Ashley Gresla, Emily Milliman, Kelly Peoples, Spencer Simms on 10/21/05. [Section: Myers]

Natural Systems 1 Syllabus---Western Program---Miami University

Student Generated Lab Proposal:
Team Nemo

Introduction
How does lighting influence behavior?

In our experiment, we will be testing the effects of different colored lights on goldfish behavior. We want to find out if they are more active under certain colorsÑred, blue, or white. This will be done by observing behavior regularly throughout a six week period. The fish will be divided into three groups of four for each color, with each group having an individual tank. Each color will have one light source. If the fish are exposed to varying colors of light, we predict that those who live under the red light will display a greater range of activity and behavior than those exposed to other colors. Several articles, including those written by Johnson and Prayitno et. al, support this by claming that the color red increases breathing and heart rates.

There has been interesting and engaging research on the effects of color on human behavior and mood and we want to explore the effects of color on fish. It will be interesting to compare the two results and maybe look into possible reasoning behind the difference or similarity. We will use our results from this lab to either affirm or challenge other research that has been done on similar studies involving fish. We are curious to see if it would be better to have different colored lights in fish habitats; could it improve fish metabolism or overall health?

Background Information
We have decided to use the colors red, blue, and white because they all have significantly different wavelengths. Research shows that longer wavelengths, found in the color red for example, are more stimulating than shorter wavelengths of light. It is known that people tend to have and/or exert more energy when they are surrounded by greater amounts of ÒwarmerÓ colors.

Similar studies have been done on other animals, such as poultry (Prayitno et. al). We can use studies such as this as references for our experiment because they support the claim that red light will stimulate our goldfish to a greater degree than the other colors. The article states that, within the context of the experiment, blue light kept birds calmer and was preferred by the birds themselves. Red light, on the contrary, raised the birdsÕ blood pressure, respiration, heart rate, and blink frequency.

Warm colors generally include magenta, red, orange, yellow, and yellow-green. They speed up our perception of time and produce feelings that are warm, cozy, and inviting. These colors are associated with excitement, happiness and comfort. Cool Colors generally include violet, blue, light blue, cyan and sea green. Emotions associated with these colors range from calm and peace to sadness, withdrawal and repression (Howard).

Pure Òwhite lightÓ does not exist; it is seen as white because it contains a spectrum of colors. It is possible, however, to create a Òwhite lightÓ by using the colors red, blue, and green (Reclos). This is another reason we are using ÒwhiteÓ light as a control. Also, Reclos notes that blue wavelengths are far less scattered than red wavelengths and that cooler colors therefore penetrate further into a tank or aquarium. Despite this, we still believe that red light will create a greater change in fish activity.

Goldfish are generally found in slow-moving streams and ponds. Through some research, we found that the depth of water that fish live in affects their sensitivity to longer wavelengths of light such as red (Delbeek). The intensity of lights should also be taken into consideration. This resource contributes to our belief that the goldfish exposed to red light will be more active than the ones under the blue light.

It is important that our wattage be appropriate for the size of the tanks in order to maintain goldfish health. DuhamelÕs article outlines proper lighting based on bulb types. We will use this as a reference throughout the setup of our lab.

Methods

Setup
Our goldfish will be divided into three groups of four per color. We will use one light bulb to light each set of tanks. In order for our results to remain consistent between tanks, we will use the same wattage for each bulb. For the tanks that will be exposed to colors, we will use red and
blue cellophane to wrap/cover the tanks to produce the desired effect. This eliminates the need to separate the tanks per color and worry about different colors affecting the wrong areas. Also, to reduce intensity of the white light, we will wrap the tanks with two to three layers of clear cellophane.

It is crucial to the success of our experiment that we have well established and effective containment for our goldfish. Without this, our results will be irrelevant and inconclusive. This includes, for example, setting up the tanks and lighting in such a way that the blue light does
not interfere with the tanks lit by the red light. To prevent this from happening, we plan to use cardboard or another opaque material to separate the sets of tanks per color.

Collecting Our Data
Our lab focuses upon the goldfishÕs reactions to different types of lighting over a period of roughly six weeks. Therefore, it is essential that we establish an effective method of recording data and analyzing behavior.

To achieve this, we are creating a chart which outlines proper procedures to record our findings. If followed correctly, this should make it easier and more efficient to calculate our findings after we have finished collecting our data. It is integral that we record our data from a common understanding (as far as recording the behavior data is concerned). Also, we will record our data in a log which will be left with the tanks.

Due to our hectic schedules, we have agreed that the best time to feed our fish will be every morning. Before, throughout, and after feeding them, we will observe their behavior. Every other night, we will come back and observe the behavior of the goldfish when no food is
present. This will give us a better sense of how the fish truly behave without the presence of food. For example, if the fish have been conditioned in any way to food or our presence in the morning, this will provide a more accurate idea of how they naturally behave within their respective lighting. Also, this will yield more data and, therefore, stronger results.

Some ways on which we plan on measuring the fish behavior are as follows. We plan on documenting the goldfish position in the tank. We will do this by dividing the tank into imaginary quadrants and then recording the fish location. If we choose to have a plant or decoration in the tank, we can also take note of whether fish seem to be hiding under this plant or object, or whether they are swimming in open water. Because there is more than one fish per tank, we will be able to measure a fishÕs proximity to other fish. Who is it swimming toward? How many are in a group? We can also record whether or not the fish is moving or stationary. If possible, we may even have the option of observing respiration rates within the fish. This is not the easiest thing to do accurately, however, so we are not sure if this is possible for amateurs like ourselves. We will try to find this by recording the number of gill openings per minute with a stop watch. Finally, an example sheet for monitoring the goldfish behavior has been attached to the proposal hard copy. This is just a rough draft, so there are still changes to be made before we begin our actual lab.

In addition to observing the fish, we will weigh them once per week. This will be done by placing one fish at a time in a plastic cup filled with water. This cup of water will have been weighed beforehand; in this way, we can accurately find the fishÕs individual weight. We will use the same amount of water for this weighing each time this occurs. Why weigh the fish? Quite simply, should the fish health suffer in response to their environments, we can refer to their potential weight loss (despite a steady diet) to support our claims. This numerical data can be used in conjunction with a literal description of their overall health to strengthen the claim that, for example, blue lighting may be detrimental toward overall goldfish health. When we weigh the fish, we will record the individual changes within each fish.

To track the individual progress, behavior, and overall health of the fish, it is important that we be able to distinguish between the fish. We will use photographs as references to identify each individual fish per tank. Also, if possible, we will try to purchase fish that have different hues, tones, or spots which would make this process easier.

Time Table
A major factor in our experimentÕs time table is the Thanksgiving holiday. Each of the members of our group will be going home: no one will be left to continue the experiment. Consequently, we will have to end our experiment, at least as far as collecting data goes, a full week or two
before we had anticipated. However, we are aiming to effectively begin the lab on Monday, October 10, which will give us a full six weeks to gather information. During the experiment itself, each week should follow the same procedure as the week before. The only differences will be the results. Also, ÒOur DayÓ will be on Tuesday, November 15th.

Our Day
For our discussion we will first explain the intent of our experiment: observing the effects of colored lighting upon goldfish behavior. To determine this, we will study the goldfishÕs general demeanor, overall health, and reactions to several stimuli. We will explain to our peers what our processes are and outline how we have collected our data. We will also explain to them how we interpreted what was Òsignificant behaviorÓ and what wasnÕtÑhow we categorized the fish behavior.

After we have effectively explained our experiment, we will invite the class to come view the fish. We will show them how we observe behavior and apply the rules which we have already outlined to them by recording sample activity. WeÕll even give them some sample data recording sheets and allow them to try the process out. Finally, we will restate our main objective and why we are interested in the subject. It is important that they know why we are performing this experiment, and how we are interested in the results our experiment will yield.

Discussion
Because we have not truly begun our experiment, it is somewhat difficult to state what we would have liked to do differently, or how we felt the experiment could have been carried out alternately. We can state, however, that one of the major problems that might affect our results is individual goldfish variance. To help eliminate this, we have chosen to do three groups of fish per color. This will make individual variance easier to recognize and, therefore, easier to exclude from our results. Also, because we will use more than one group per color, we will observe activity over a greater range of fish. This will help strengthen our results because our data will be from a broader range. This also lessens the possibility of error. Other questions which may arise will pertain to the colors we have chosen: perhaps other ones would have yielded more dramatic results?

Example Behavior Chart

Date:
Time:
Lighting:
Tank:

Goldfish location within tank (by quadrant):

Where do the fish spend the most time?

Overall depth?

How close are they to each other?

How many of the fish are swimming?

How many are stationary?

The ratio isÉ
How would you categorize the fish?
- Playful
- Sluggish
- Neutral
Overall appearance of the fish?

Gill openings per minute? (One fish per tank)
- Blue Tanks:
1.
2.
3.
- Red Tanks:
1.
2.
3.
- White Tanks:
1.
2. 3.
Water temperature per tank?
1. 4. 7.
2. 5. 8.
3. 6. 9.

Additional notes?

References

Aguna, Amy, et. al. ÒColor Psychology: Children vs. Adults.Ó Student Generated Lab, 2001
(Meyers). 4 Oct. 2005. chology.Childrenv.html>.

Booksh, Annie, et. al. ÒEffects of Colour on Fish.Ó Student Generated Lab, 1998 (Hays
Cummins). 3 Oct 2005. nColouronFishpart3.html>.

Delbeek, Charles. "The Effect of Light on the Behaviour and Well Being of Marine Fish: Who
Shut Off the Lights?." ATOLL 1 (1986). 4 Oct 2005. delb12.html>.

Duhamel, Douglas. ÒLighting for a Planted Aquarium.Ó 21 Aug. 2003. 20 Oct. 2005. < http://
www.suite101.com/article.cfm/tropical_fish/102884>.

Fenner, Robert. ÒGoldfish Systems, Components, and Maintenance.Ó 20 Oct. 2005. < http://w
ww.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/gldfshsystems.htm>.

Howard, Ph.D., Pierce J. The Owner's Manual for the Brain. Austin: Bard, 1994.

Ingle, DJ. ÒThe goldfish as a retinex animal.Ó PubMed. 8 Feb. 1985. 20 Oct. 2005. < http://w
ww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=3969555&d
opt=Citation>.

Johnson, David. "Psychology of Colors." Infoplease . 4 Oct 2005 ot/colors1.html>.

Lodenquai, Peter. ÒLife in a Fishbowl: the Science and Art of Fishkeeping.Ó AxcessExcellence.
1999. 20 Oct. 2005. < http://www.accessexcellence.org/LC/SS/fish_background.html>.

Prayitno, DS, CJ Phillips, and H Omed. "The effects of color of lighting on the behavior and
production of meat chickens." PubMed 1997. 4 Oct 2005. /entrez/query.fcgi?CMD=Display&DB=pubmed>.

Reclos, George. ÒAll About Aquarium Lighting.Ó 20 Oct. 2005. mepage.com/aquainfo/lighting1.html>.

Sasaki, Hiroshi. Color Psychology. 30 April 1991. ?20 Oct. 2005. arden/colorpsycho.html>.

Next Article
Previous Article
Return to the Topic Menu