Artificial Light at Night affects decision-making in intertidal fish depending on their size

Fish exposed to Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) showed altered decision-making behavior compared to those in natural light conditions.

• Fish in natural day/night conditions preferred the dark arm of the Y-maze, indicating a choice for safer environments.
• Exposure to ALAN resulted in fish visiting and spending more time in the non-decision area, suggesting disorientation.
• The behavioral response to ALAN exposure was influenced by the size of the fish, indicating a potential vulnerability in smaller individuals.
• ALAN exposure may disrupt the ability of rockfish to select dark areas that are typically safer from predators.

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