Influence of Temperature Change on Number of Vertebrae and Caudal Fin Rays in Fundulus Majalis (Walbaum)

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Abstract
In two experiments embryos of this cyprinodontid fish were reared continuously in four fluctuating temperature regimes, 13–17°, 18–22°, 23–27° and 28–32°C to determine response of total vertebrae and total caudal fin rays to a diel-like temperature cycle. Fewer vertebrae and more caudal fin rays formed on the average in warmer temperature regimes. In one experiment transfers from cooler to a warmer regime at a three- to six-somite developmental stage produced vertebrae counts similar to those of embryos reared continuously in the warmer regime; transfers at a nine- to 12-somite stage produced vertebrae counts similar to those of embryos reared continuously in a cooler regime. In the same transfers the number of caudal fin rays formed was similar to those of embryos reared continuously at the warmer temperatures. Presumptive caudal fin ray tissue might still be influenced by temperature change at late prolarval or early postlarval stages. Two transfers from warmer to cooler temperatures at a 14- to 16-somite stage and at a 32- to 33-somite stage indicated no response by presumptive vertebrae tissue.

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