Color Detection in Freshwater Amphipods (Gammarus minus)

• Brandon Bennett

  Juniata College

  Author

• Alexia Maxim

  Juniata College

  Author

• Amanda Puza

  Juniata College

  Author

• Avery Timko

  Juniata College

  Author

• Sydney Witter

  Juniata College

  Author

This study tested whether different lighting affected the color preference of the aquatic amphipod Gammarus minus. These amphipods were given choices between residing above either a green or blue floor under differing light conditions. Amphipods were counted on each side in a given time interval. After analyzing data, it was concluded that different lighting did affect the color preference of Gammarus minus. In red light, Gammarus minus preferred a green floor color. In soft white light, Gammarus minus preferred a blue floor color. The results were statistically significant p<0.05. Future implications for this research could include testing additional floor and light colors to see which ones the amphipods are able to detect.

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