III) Methods and Materials
To test my hypothesis, I used four individual glow sticks, which was my independent variable. Two of the glow sticks were green, whereas the remaining two were red. However, in order to test the effect of bright colors against dull colors, I wrapped one green and one red glow stick in wax paper in order to make their colors dull, and left the other two unwrapped to give off a brighter color. I conducted one trial per glow stick, ending with four trials in total. I also used two male Betta splendens, both of which were contained in their own twelve ounce glass jar filled with water. To monitor the initial temperature of the water inside the jars, as well as to keep the water at a constant temperature, I used two …show more content…
First, I set up the hotplate and allowed its temperature to rise to 78°F. When the hotplate finished warming, I placed the two twelve ounce glass jars side by side on top of it, and positioned the cardboard barrier between the two jars. I then proceeded to fill both jars with an adequate amount of water to comfortably hold each fish. I placed a thermometer into both jars to monitor the water until it reached 78°F. Once this temperature was reached, I removed both thermometers as I knew the hotplate would not allow the water to rise above 78°F. I then encircled the hotplate with the white construction paper. Once both jars were properly set up, I first transported the control fish to its jar in a fish net. I then completely submerged the fish net into the jar, and let the fish swim out. I repeated this step with the experimental fish, transporting it in a fish net and letting it swim out into its jar. Once both fish were settled in their jars, I wrapped one green and one red glow stick in enough wax paper to dull the colors they gave off, but not too much as to completely mask them. To ensure the wax paper did not fall off its respective glow stick, I taped the paper together and onto the ends of the glow sticks. Completing this task also gave the fish some time to acclimate to their surroundings before the experiment began. Once both glow sticks were wrapped, I continued with the …show more content…
For instance, I could use two pieces of both green and red colored paper. There would be bright and dark green, as well as bright and dark red paper. However, rather than just situating the paper in sight of the fish like I did with the glow sticks, I could modify the paper to be more visually appealing to the male B. splendens. With each piece of paper, I could cut out the size and shape of a male B. splendens. If the paper were to look like a male betta, it is possible that it could initiate an aggressive reaction from the experimental fish, as male B. splendens have a tendency to behave in such a manner between one another (Snekser et al. 2006). After cutting out the shapes, I could then attach each one to a stick. By doing so, I would have the ability to freely move one paper fish around at a time in front of the white background provided by the construction paper, and in view of the experimental fish. The presence of the paper fish would also eliminate the problem of the fish seeing its own reflection in the jar, as it was found that male B. splendens opt to react to other male bettas rather than to mirror representations (Craft et al.