Data from: UV-B radiation alters movement and thermal selection of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Temperature and UV-B interact in causing cellular damage and impairing locomotor performance. Here we test the hypothesis that movement and thermal selection of zebrafish (Danio rerio) changes in the presence of UV-B, and that fish which were chronically exposed to UV-B in particular avoid high and low temperature extremes to maximise activities of antioxidant enzymes. Fish chronically (2-3 weeks) exposed to UV-B had increased reactive oxygen species-induced damage to proteins and membranes, and reduced swimming performance at high (>26oC) temperatures. In an open field arena with a thermal gradient, chronically exposed fish avoided high and low temperature extremes compared to control fish. Additionally, both control and chronically exposed fish showed slower voluntary swimming speeds in the presence of UV-B. We suggest that in the presence of UV-B fish may reduce muscular activity to minimise intrinsic reactive oxygen species production. Our data show that the interaction between UV-B and temperature determine movement and microhabitat selection of fish, which is therefore of ecological importance particularly in anthropogenically modified environments.