Temperature is a critical environmental factor that influences the distribution and abundance of aquatic organisms. The response of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) to changes in water temperature has been well documented for populations north of the Carolinas, showing fish partaking in seasonal coastal migrations to stay within their preferred temperature range. However, populations in the Southeastern United States are non-migratory, instead remaining in rivers and estuaries with limited options for thermal refuge as water temperatures continue to rise due to climate change. Previous studies have shown physiological performance is negatively affected by temperature. As performance is tightly connected to cardiorespiratory fitness, my study aims to investigate the effect of temperature on the membrane fragility of the red blood cells by performing an osmotic fragility test on blood collected from fish acclimated to three temperatures (20, 25, and 30℃). Data is currently being collected and analyzed to determine results.
