Lack of metabolic thermal compensation during the early life stages of ocean pout Zoarces americanus (Bloch & Schneider) : a benthic, cold-water marine species

The present study investigated the metabolic response of young ocean pout Zoarces americanus to temperature acclimation (3 v. 11° C), and to acute changes in water temperature from 3 to 17° C. The Q ₁₀ value for standard metabolic rate between acclimation temperatures was 5·3, warm-acclimated fish displayed higher rates of oxygen uptake at all temperatures during the acute thermal challenge, and changes in whole-body citrate synthase activity were qualitatively similar to those seen for metabolism. These results indicate that, in contrast to temperate species, young ocean pout from Newfoundland do not show thermal compensation in response to long-term temperature changes.