Operculum Movement Group 3

The operculum is a bony structure covering and protecting the gills in teleosts; it plays an important part in the breathing mechanism. In most fish, the rear edge of the operculum roughly marks the division between the head and the body.

The operculum is composed of four fused bones; the opercle, preopercle, interopercle, and subopercle. The posterior rim of the operculum is equipped with a flexible, ribbed structure which acts as a seal to prevent reverse water flow during respiration.

This study aims to determine the difference of the operculum movement of fishes on different water content.

Containers (2) with 600ml of tap water each Goldfishes (2) with same size 8g of detergent powder Timer Thermometer

1.The containers were labeled A and B. 2.The temperature of the water inside each beaker were measured. 3.The 8 grams of detergent soap was mixed in container B and was stirred. 4.Each of the fish were placed in every container. 5.The operculum movement of each fish were observed for 1 minute. 6.The fishes were observed for at least 10 minutes. It was not touched until the time ended. V. METHODS

Container A (Pure Tap Water) Container B (Water with Detergent Powder)

VI. RESULTS Container AContainer B Amount of water600mL Amount of Detergent Powder g Temperature Operculum of fish/min 96114

Base on the experimentation, the fish A in container A with pure tap water is moving normally while the fish B in container B with detergent powder is moving violently. The operculum movement of the fish A per minute is 96 while the operculum movement of the fish B per minute is 114. The operculum movement of fish B is greater than of the fish A. VII. DISCUSSION

The water content affects the operculum movement of the fish. The fish in the container B died due to the chemical change of water that has a harmful effect on fish. Detergents can have poisonous effects in all types of aquatic life if they are present in sufficient quantities. All detergents destroy the external mucus layers that protect the fish from bacteria and parasites; plus they can cause severe damage to the gills.

Based on the data and observation, the researchers conclude that there is a difference of operculum movement of fishes on different water content. The operculum movement of the fish varies on its location and where it is placed. VIII. CONCLUSION

IX. REFERENCES

DARUCA, Peany C. NOBLEZA, Jeany Ann Joy A. PAGAS, Glaiza Mae D. PLETO, Juphil P. AUTHORS