Science Worksheet

Location:

Depth:

What zone is the fish located in?

C	D
B	A

Top View of Aquarium

At what level does the fish usually stay?

Top

Middle

Bottom

Front View of Aquarium

Openwater or Undercover:

Feeding:

Is the fish in openwater or does it appear to be hiding under or near a plant or object?

Is the fish feeding? If so, on what (gravel, plants, object, tank wall surface)?

Proximity to Other Fish:

Respiration Rate:

Is the fish near other fish? If so, who and how many?

How many times does the fish open and close its gill opening (called the operculum) in one minute?

Swimming or Stationary:

Fish use their gills to capture oxygen from the water, and oxygen is used to convert food energy into ATP (ready) energy. A high respiration rate can mean the fish has just eaten or the fish has been moving rapidly or the dissolved oxygen in the water is low.

Is the fish moving or motionless in the water? Do not count fin movement, only whole body movement.

Swimming Speed:

This observation will only apply if the fish is swimming horizontally in the water. To determine swimming speed, mark the start point on the front of the tank with a finger, pencil, or ruler. Time the fish until it stops. Mark the finish point on the front of the tank, and measure the distance from start to finish, preferably in centimeters. Record the swimming speed in centimeters per second.

For example:
Distance = 15 centimeters
Time = 3 seconds
Swimming Speed = 15 cm/3 sec = 5 cm/sec

Behavioral Observations Reference