Physiological responses of experimental fish to stressful conditions

Common stress factors in the laboratory aquarium can include extremes of pH, temperature, or other factors, such as the accumulation of intermediates of nitrification. Each aberration from optimal conditions has a direct physiological effect on fish that can cause death in a variety of ways. The stress effect in fish leading to infectious diseases is a common physiological manifestation of some common biochemical change, probably hormonal, which may compromise the immune system and lead to a decreased disease resistance and ultimately death. Minimization of stress by careful attention to basic fish culture practices is perhaps the best way one can ensure successful laboratory experiments.