Building a crayfish arena divided into two
halves, where each half could be
maintained at a different temperature by its
own computer-controlled coffee machine,
Tattersall teamed up with Joshua Luebbert
and Kiel Ormerod to test the crustaceans’
temperature preferences. First, they
established the crayfish’s preferred
temperature by slowly altering the
temperature in one chamber and allowing
individuals to move between the arena
chambers to select their preferred
temperature. Next, they paired juvenile
crayfish together for 3 days to establish and
cement their relationship. Then, they
offered the crustaceans a choice between a
chamber at their preferred temperature and
a second chamber that was well outside
their comfort zone and either 4°C warmer
or cooler than the first.