Development of a remote monitoring system for stress response in fish from a physiological and behavioral perspective.

Abstract

In our laboratory, we have been actively investigating the physiological responses of free-swimming Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to acute stress. One of the crucial indicators we monitored was the fluctuation in fish blood glucose levels. To achieve this, we have implemented a wireless biosensor system designed to measure glucose concentration within the fish eyeball interstitial sclera fluid. In this study, in addition to glucose concentration, we have incorporated a triaxial acceleration sensor onto the fish to track its movements and acceleration patterns. This multi-faceted approach enables us to simultaneously assess the stress response and physical activity of the fish under various stressors. Our study specifically focuses on stressors such as ammonia exposure and social interactions among individuals. Remarkably, our findings have revealed intriguing insights into the fish's stress response. While the biosensor consistently recorded an increase in glucose levels in response to all stressors, the triaxial acceleration sensor data exhibited distinct patterns of behavior during each stressor application. This variance in acceleration data suggests that the fish's response to different stressors is not uniform and can be differentiated through their movement patterns. This novel and integrated approach, merging biosensor technology with triaxial acceleration measurements, holds immense promise in shedding light on the nuanced intricacies of fish physiology and biochemistry. It opens new vistas for comprehending how these aquatic creatures cope with acute stressors and adapt to their ever-changing environments, ultimately contributing to the broader body of knowledge in the field of fish physiology and biochemistry.