Colonization and Distribution of Basicladia on Trachemys Scripta Elegans: Experimental Design [Poster]

Abstract

Studies have shown symbiotic relationships between turtles and algae. The association of green alga, Basicladia, with freshwater turtles is well documented. However, the exact nature of this relationship is not fully understood. This experimental design is aimed to conduct an investigation that will elucidate the rate of colonization and spatial distribution of Basicladia on red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) under laboratory conditions. Twelve turtles obtained commercially are equally distributed in two aquaria placed an environmental chambers at ~75°C with 12 hour light and dark cycles. Cultured green alga will be used to inoculate in one of the aquaria with turtles. The other aquarium will only have turtles while another container will only have algae to serve as control. An outline of the carapace and plastron of each turtle will be drawn in acetate. Monitoring of the area colonized by the alga will be done by marking the acetate as examined under a dissecting scope and documented with a camera. To determine if algal growth is influenced by the association, length of algal filaments will be measured for both experimental and control tanks. Data obtained will be analyzed using analysis of variance with repeated measures (ANOVAR) in Systat software. [Poster]