Effects of a heatwave on cognitive abilities in Poecilia reticulata males

Effects of a simulated heat wave on cognitive abilities in adult Poecilia reticulata The intensity and frequency of extreme events, such as heatwaves, are increasing due to climate change. Heatwaves are short periods of unusual high temperature, that have been recently studied to understand the consequences on fitness-related behaviour. However, there is not much work done so far in this field , and specifically we lack information on the effects of heatwaves on cognitive abilities. Here, we exposed male guppies (Poecilia reticulata) to a 5-day heatwave (32 °C) or control treatment (26 °C) and tested the effect on different cognitive abilities. (i) we performed a mate choice test in which the fish had to choose between two potential partners differing in size and hence on potential fecundity. (ii) we tested inhibitory control using a detour test, using a transparent barrier placed between the fish and its social companions. (iii) we assessed exploratory behaviour in a novel environment. Last, (iv)we tested learning abilities through habituation to a non-harmful stimulus. Previous data found that males exposed to a heatwave were less able to solve a maze and together with the data from this project, it seems that even a short exposure to high temperature can have profound effect on the behaviour and related cognitive abilities, with potential important effects on fitness.