Using dissolved carbon dioxide to alter the behavior of invasive Round Goby

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is under consideration as a chemical fish deterrent at pinch points in rivers (e.g., inside locks) to reduce unwanted fish passage. This study evaluated the behavioral responses of invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) to dissolved CO2 in laboratory tanks. The goal of this project was to quantify CO2 concentrations that modify round goby behavior. More specifically, avoidance behavior (voluntary response) and loss of equilibrium (involuntary response) were quantified across 5, 15, and 25°C water temperatures. These data can be used to inform future field testing of CO2 as an invasive fish deterrent. Spreadsheets include data that were used to evaluate the efficacy of carbon dioxide (CO2) deterrence at different temperatures in invasive carps. This data release associated with a manuscript that evaluated the effectiveness of carbon dioxide to alter Round Goby behavior.