Abstract
In a space experiment using Space shuttle/Spacelab (IML-2 mission), the adaptation of goldfish behavior during flight and re adaptation after landing were investigated. The behavior of 6 goldfish (1 normal, 1 with otoliths removed on both sides, 4 with otoliths removed on one side) were recorded with a video camera and analyzed.
On the first day of the mission, the two fish with otolith removed on one side showed flexion of body towards the operated side. These fish also showed rolling behavior towards the operated side. However, the body flexion disappeared on the fifth day or eighth day. No rolling responses were ob served after that time. The normal fish and the fish with the otolith removed on both sides showed backward looping responses during the 13 day mission. However, the frequency of the looping decreased during the flight. These results suggest that the behavioral disfunction and the adaptational process in space are dependent on vestibular inputs.
