The purpose of this lab was to observe the opening of the fishs mouth and its operculum (flap covering the gills) to determine the breathing rate of fish at different temperatures.

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Fish gills remove oxygen from water as human lungs extract oxygen from air. The oxygen content in air is about 20 times greater compared to water. Therefore aquatic animals such as fish, spend about 20 times more energy breathing than air breathers such as humans. This project will determine how temperature affects breathing rates of fish.

The purpose of this lab was to observe the opening of the fish’s mouth and its operculum (flap covering the gills) to determine the breathing rate of fish at different temperatures.

Hopefully, information obtained from this lab can be used by people to keep their pet fish healthy and happy.

How does environmental temperature changes affect cellular respiration rate in a goldfish?

Hypothesis: The requirement of oxygen for a fish changes with water temperature. As the temperature rises, the metabolism of the fish increases. Thus, the fish needs more oxygen. Also at higher temperatures, water cannot hold as much dissolved oxygen.

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WE EXPECT THAT AS THE TEMPERATURE INCREASES THE BREATHING RATE WILL INCREASE.

Independent Variable: Breathing rate

Dependant Variable: Change In water temperature

Controlled Variable: Size of container and bowl, number of Gold Fish

Preparation:

  1. Prepare test tank by filling a one liter jar half full with water from the aquarium.
  2. Use a fishnet to transfer the smallest fish from the aquarium to the jar. Record any characteristics so it can be identified easily.
  3. Wait about 5 minutes to allow the fish to calm. Remain cautious as the experiment proceeds.
  4. Find the fish’s mouth ...

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