Ultraviolet B radiation alters movement and thermal selection of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Temperature and ultraviolet B (UV-B) interact in causing cellular damage and impairing locomotor performance. Here, we test the hypothesis that movement and thermal selection of zebrafish (Danio rerio) change in the presence of UV-B, and in particular, that fish which were chronically exposed to UV-B avoid high and low temperature extremes to maximize activities of antioxidant enzymes. Fish chronically (two to three weeks) exposed to UV-B had increased reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced damage to proteins and membranes, and reduced swimming performance at high (more than 26°C) temperatures. In an open field arena with a thermal gradient, chronically exposed fish avoided high and low temperature extremes compared with control fish. Additionally, both control and chronically exposed fish showed slower voluntary swimming speeds in the presence of UV-B. We suggest that in the presence of UV-B fish may reduce muscular activity to minimize intrinsic ROS production. Our data show that the interaction between UV-B and temperature determines movement and microhabitat selection of fish, which is therefore of ecological importance particularly in anthropogenically modified environments.