Date of Award

5-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Biology

Program

Biology (MS)

First Advisor/Chairperson

Jill Leonard

Abstract

Many teleost fish produce planktonic larvae that primarily rely on hydrodynamic forces for dispersal. However, allometric growth patterns and larval behavior also plays a significant role in dispersal. The developmental timeline of dispersal mechanisms in burbot (Lota lota) larvae is crucial to understanding where they may settle in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Wild L. lota gametes were collected from Lake Superior tributaries and fertilized. L. lota were reared in a laboratory setting and monitored for embryonic buoyancy changes and larval phototaxis, startle response, temperature selection, rheotaxis, and lateral line development. Embryos showed a significant increase in buoyancy as they approach hatching but are negatively buoyant. Larvae showed a 25% increase in startle responses from 30 to 75 days post fertilization (dpf). Maximum velocity (cm/s) and proportion of startle responses increased significantly after swim bladder inflation. From 30 - 75 dpf, larvae displayed no phototactic light preference. Younger larvae chose warmer temperature zones initially, preferring colder temperatures as they aged. Larvae performed positive rheotaxis after swim bladder inflation. The inflation of the swim bladder may be critical for performing active dispersal mechanisms. L. lota larvae show a significant increase in neuromasts between 35 and 45 dpf, in both the anterior lateral line and posterior lateral line. Age significantly predicted neuromast abundance. These results help elucidate the developmental timeline of L. lota active dispersal behaviors and generally fit the model of related teleosts.

Access Type

Open Access

Justification for Restricting Access

I would like restrict access to my thesis via embargo so that I may have enough time to submit my work for publication.

Additional Files
Alexis Pupo.pdf (45 kB)
Signed signature page
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Available for download on Monday, March 25, 2030

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