Artificial Light at Night Alters the Physiology and Behavior of Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis)

Human population growth and its associated effects on the environment contribute to the rapid decrease of biodiversity worldwide. Artificial light at night (ALAN) is an anthropogenic pollutant that is increasing with the spread of urbanization and may contribute to biodiversity declines. ALAN alters the migration patterns of birds, communication in frogs, and impacts reproduction, behavior, and physiology of multiple other taxa. However, most of the studies on ALAN are based on terrestrial systems, and overall, the effects of ALAN on freshwater organisms are poorly understood. We investigated how ALAN affects the physiology, behavior, and reproduction of a widespread, tolerant species of freshwater fish. Gambusia affinis are small livebearing fish often found in urban streams. We exposed groups of female G. affinis to either a natural light cycle or a constant 24-h light cycle (ALAN) in the laboratory for 60 days. In another experiment, we exposed female G. affinis to the same treatments in outdoor mesocosms for 32 days. We found that exposure to ALAN lowered glucose levels in the brain and decreased swimming activity, but had no effect on cortisol release rates, reproduction, survival, or growth. This research is strengthened by measuring multiple metrics in response to ALAN and by incorporating both a field and laboratory component which confirm similar results. These results suggest that this tolerant species of fish may behaviorally adjust to ALAN rather than modulate their endocrine stress response.

Automated summary

Human population growth and its impacts on the environment lead to a decrease in global biodiversity, with artificial light at night (ALAN) being identified as a potential contributor. ALAN alters the behavior and physiology of freshwater organisms, as shown in a study on Gambusia affinis fish, where exposure to ALAN resulted in lower brain glucose levels and decreased swimming activity. These findings suggest that the fish species may adapt behaviorally to ALAN rather than through changes in their stress hormone response.