Thermal tolerance and standard metabolic rate of juvenile gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) acclimated to four temperatures

Temperature variation affects the growth, maturation and distribution of fish species due to increasing constraints on physiological functions therefore, the aim of the present study is to evaluate effect of temperature on thermal tolerance and standard metabolic rate (SMR) of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). For this purpose, tolerable temperature ranges of juvenile gilthead seabream acclimated at 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C for 30 days were estimated using dynamic and static thermal methodologies. The SMRs of the fish were also determined based on oxygen consumption rate (OCR). The dynamic and static thermal tolerance zones of gilthead seabream were calculated as 737 °C² and 500 °C², respectively, with a resistance zone area of 155.5 °C². The SMR of the fish at the above acclimation temperatures (AT) was determined as 138, 257, 510, and 797 mg O₂ h⁻¹ kg⁻¹, respectively and were significantly different (P < 0.01, n = 10). The temperature quotient (Q₁₀) in relation to the SMR of the fish was calculated as 3.45, 3.91, and 2.44 for acclimation temperature ranges of 15–20, 20–25, and 25–30 °C, respectively. The fact that the SMR increased with rising temperatures and then decreased gradually after 25 °C indicates that the temperature preference of juvenile gilthead seabream lies between 25 and 30 °C. This study shows that gilthead seabream tolerates a relatively narrow temperature range, and consequently, a low capacity for acclimatisation to survive in aquatic systems characterised by temperature variations.     

Behavioral thermoregulation, temperature tolerance and oxygen consumption in the Mexican bullseye puffer fish, Sphoeroides annulatus Jenyns (1842), acclimated to different temperatures

An inverse and unusual relationship was found between preferred temperature and acclimation temperature in the bullseye puffer, Sphoeroides annulatus. The final preferendum temperature (PT) was 26.8 °C. The critical thermal maxima (CTMax) were 37.7, 38.8, 40.0, 40.8 and 41.3 °C where the temperatures of acclimation were 19, 22, 25, 28 and 31 °C±1 °C, respectively, and the endpoint of CTMax was loss of the righting response. The acclimation response ratio presented an interval of 0.22-0.38; these values are in agreement with results for other subtropical and tropical fishes. The temperature significantly affected the oxygen consumption of bullseye puffer juveniles. The oxygen consumption rate (OCR) increased significantly with an increment in the temperature from 19 to 31 °C. The range of the temperature coefficient Q₁₀ in bullseye puffer individuals was lowest between 25 and 28 °C, at 1.37. The optimal temperature for growth was 26 °C. The results of this study will be useful for optimizing the culture of bullseye puffer juveniles in controlled conditions.     

Thermal maxima for juvenile shortnose sturgeon acclimated to different temperatures

Many populations of shortnose sturgeon, Acipenser brevirostrum, in the southeastern United States continue to suffer from poor juvenile recruitment. High summer water temperatures, which may be exacerbated by anthropogenic activities, are thought to affect recruitment by limiting available summer habitat. However, information regarding temperature thresholds of shortnose sturgeon is limited. In this study, the thermal maximum method and a heating rate of 0.1°C min⁻¹ was used to determine critical and lethal thermal maxima for young-of-the-year (YOY) shortnose sturgeon acclimated to temperatures of 19.5 and 24.1°C. Fish used in the experiment were 0.6 to 35.0 g in weight and 64 to 140 days post hatch (dph) in age. Critical thermal maxima were 33.7°C (±0.3) and 35.1°C (±0.2) for fish acclimated to 19.5 and 24.1°C, respectively. Critical thermal maxima significantly increased with an increase in acclimation temperature (p < 0.0001). Lethal thermal maxima were 34.8°C (±0.1) and 36.1°C (±0.1) for fish acclimated to 19.5 and 24.1°C, respectively. Lethal thermal maxima were significantly affected by acclimation temperature, the log₁₀ (fish weight), and the interaction between log₁₀(fish weight) and acclimation temperature (p < 0.0001). Thermal maxima were used to estimate upper limits of safe temperature, thermal preferences, and optimal growth temperatures of YOY shortnose sturgeon. Upper limits of safe temperature were similar to previous temperature tolerance information and indicate that summer temperatures in southeastern rivers may be lethal to YOY shortnose sturgeon if suitable thermal refuge cannot be found.     

Thermal tolerance of Litopenaeus vannamei (Crustacea: Penaeidae) acclimated to four temperatures

Critical thermal minima (CTMin) and maxima (CTMax) values were determined for the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei post-larvae and juveniles at four different acclimation temperatures (15, 20, 25, and 30 °C). The CTMin of shrimp at these acclimation temperatures were 7.82, 8.95, 9.80, and 10.96 °C for post-larvae and 7.50, 8.20, 10.20, and 10.80 °C for juveniles, respectively, at 1 °C h⁻¹ cooling rate. The CTMax values were 35.65, 38.13, 39.91, and 42.00 °C for post-larvae and 35.94, 38.65, 40.30, and 42.20 °C for juveniles at the respective acclimation temperatures. Both acclimation temperature and size of the shrimp affected CTMin values of L. vannamei (P<0.01). Overall, juveniles displayed significantly lower CTMin values than the post-larvae (P<0.0001). However, the CTMax response by post-larvae and juveniles were not significantly different from each other and no interaction was determined between the acclimation temperature and development stage (P>0.01). The area of the thermal tolerance polygon over four acclimation temperatures (15, 20, 25, and 30 °C) for the post-larvae of L. vannamei was calculated to be 434.94 °C². The acclimation response ratio (ARR) values were high ranging from 0.35 to 0.44 for both post-larvae and juveniles. L. vannamei appears to be more sensitive to low temperatures than other penaeid species and its cold tolerance zone ranged from 7.5 to 11 °C. In successful aquaculture temperature must never fall below 12 °C to prevent mortalities. Upper thermal tolerance is less of a problem as in most subtropical regions maximum water temperature rarely exceeds 34 °C, but care should be given if shallow ponds with low water renewal rate are being used.     

Thermopreference,tolerance and metabolic rate of early stages juvenile Octopus maya acclimated to different temperatures

Thermopreference, tolerance and oxygen consumption rates of early juveniles Octopus maya (O. maya; weight range 0.38–0.78 g) were determined after acclimating the octopuses to temperatures (18, 22, 26, and 30 °C) for 20 days. The results indicated a direct relationship between preferred temperature (PT) and acclimated temperature, the PT was 23.4 °C. Critical Thermal Maxima, (CTMax; 31.8±1.2, 32.7±0.9, 34.8±1.4 and 36.5±1.0) and Critical Thermal Minima, (CTMin; 11.6±0.2, 12.8±0.6, 13.7±1.0, 19.00±0.9) increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing acclimation temperatures. The endpoint for CTMax was ink release and for CTMin was tentacles curled, respectively. A thermal tolerance polygon over the range of 18–30 °C resulted in a calculated area of 210.0 °C². The oxygen consumption rate increased significantly α=0.05 with increasing acclimation temperatures between 18 and 30 °C. Maximum and minimum temperature quotients (Q₁₀) were observed between 26–30 °C and 22–26 °C as 3.03 and 1.71, respectively. These results suggest that O. maya has an increased capability for adapting to moderate temperatures, and suggest increased culture potential in subtropical regions southeast of México.     

Thermal responses of juvenile squaretail mullet (Liza vaigiensis) and juvenile crescent terapon (Terapon jarbua) acclimated at near-lethal temperatures, and the implications for climate change

The negative effects of climate alteration on coral reef fishes receive ever increasing attention; however, implications of rising sea temperatures on fishes inhabiting marine nursery environments are poorly understood. We used critical thermal methodology to quantify critical thermal maxima (CTmaxima) of juvenile squaretail mullet (Liza vaigiensis) and juvenile crescent terapon (Terapon jarbua) captured from shallow seagrass nursery areas around Hoga Island, southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. We tested the hypothesis that these distantly related fishes, when acclimated to cycling temperatures, would display higher CTmaxima than groups acclimated at constant temperatures. Groups of mullet acclimated to a constant temperature of 37 °C and temperature cycles of 35 to 39 °C or 37 to 41 °C displayed statistically similar mean CTmaxima of 44.7, 44.4 and 44.8 °C, respectively. Likewise, terapon acclimated at temperature cycles of 37 to 40 °C did not display a higher CTmaxima than fish acclimated at a constant temperature of 37 °C, with both acclimation groups' mean CTmaxima equal to 43.8 °C. Acclimation to higher cycling temperatures did not result in significant upper temperature tolerance acquisition for either species; however, mullet values were significantly higher than those seen in terapon (P < 0.0001). These data suggest that mullet and terapon will not suffer direct thermal effects should shallow nursery temperature increases be marginally higher than 1-2 °C above ~ 27 °C, and they provide evidence that the upper thermal tolerance of fishes inhabiting shallow seagrass and mangrove areas can approach the biokinetic limits for vertebrate life. Tropical marine fishes inhabiting fringing nursery environments may have the upper thermal tolerance necessary to endure substantial increases in sea temperatures.     

Thermal tolerance,growth and oxygen consumption of Labeo rohita fry (Hamilton, 1822) acclimated to four temperatures

A 30 day feeding trial was conducted using a freshwater fish, Labeo rohita (rohu), to determine their thermal tolerance, oxygen consumption and optimum temperature for growth. Four hundred and sixteen L. rohita fry (10 days old, 0.385±0.003 g) were equally distributed between four treatments (26, 31, 33 and 36 °C) each with four replicates for 30 days. Highest body weight gain and lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded between 31 and 33 °C. The highest specific growth rate was recorded at 31 °C followed by 33 and 26 °C and the lowest was at 36 °C. Thermal tolerance and oxygen consumption studies were carried out after completion of growth study to determine tolerance level and metabolic activity at four different acclimation temperatures. Oxygen consumption rate increased significantly with increasing acclimation temperature. Preferred temperature decided from relationship between acclimation temperature and Q₁₀ values were between 33 and 36 °C, which gives a better understanding of optimum temperature for growth of L. rohita. Critical thermal maxima (CTMax) and critical thermal minima (CTMin) were 42.33±0.07, 44.81±0.07, 45.35±0.06, 45.60±0.03 and 12.00±0.08, 12.46±0.04, 13.80±0.10, 14.43±0.06, respectively, and increased significantly with increasing acclimation temperatures (26, 31, 33 and 36 °C). Survival (%) was similar in all groups indicating that temperature range of 26–36 °C is not fatal to L. rohita fry. The optimum temperature range for growth was 31–33 °C and for Q₁₀ values was 33–36 °C.     

Thermal tolerance of European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles acclimated to three temperature levels

This study was carried out to determine upper (CTMax) and lower (CTMin) thermal tolerance, acclimation response ratio (ARR) and thermal tolerance polygon of the European sea bass inhabiting the Iskenderun Bay, the most southeasterly part of the Mediterranean Sea, at three acclimation temperatures (15, 20, 25 °C). Acclimation temperature significantly affected the CTMin and CTMax values of the fish. At 0.3 °C min⁻¹ cooling or heating rate, CTMin ranged from 4.10 to 6.77 °C and CTMax ranged from 33.23 to 35.95 °C in three acclimation temperatures from 15 to 25 °C. Thermal tolerance polygon for the juveniles at the tested acclimation temperatures was calculated to be 296.14 °C². In general, the current data show that our sea bass population possesses acclimation response ratio (ARR) values (0.25-0.27) similar to some tropical species. The cold tolerance values attained for this species ranged from 4.10 to 6.77 °C, suggesting that cold winter temperatures may not pose danger during the culture of European sea bass in deep ponds or high water exchange rate systems. Upper thermal tolerance is more of a problem in the southern part of the Mediterranean as maximum water temperature in ponds may sometimes exceed 33-34 °C, during which underground cool-water should be used to lower ambient water temperature in the mid-summer. For successful culture of sea bass in ponds, temperature should be maintained around 25 °C throughout the year and this can be managed under greenhousing systems using underground well-waters, commonly available in the region.     

Critical thermal minima and maxima of three freshwater game-fish species acclimated to constant temperatures

A total of 120 critical thermal maxima (CT maxima) and 120 critical thermal minima (CT minima) were determined for channel catfish, largemouth bass and rainbow trout acclimated to three constant temperatures: 20, 25 and 30 °C in catfish and bass, and 10, 15 and 20 °C in trout. Highest mean CT maximum and lowest mean CT minimum measured over these acclimation temperatures were 40.3 and 2.7 °C (catfish), 38.5 and 3.2 °C (bass) and 29.8 and ∼ 0.0 °C (trout). Temperature tolerance data were precise with standard deviations generally less than 0.5 °C. Channel catfish had the largest thermal tolerance scope of the three species while rainbow trout had the lowest tolerance of high temperatures and the highest tolerance of low temperatures. In all species CT minima and CT maxima were highly significantly linearly related to acclimation temperature. Within each species, slopes relating CT maxima to acclimation temperature were approximately half as large as those relating CT minima to acclimation temperature, suggesting that acclimation temperature has a greater influence on tolerance to low rather than high temperatures. Slopes relating both CT minima and CT maxima to acclimation temperature for the two warm-water species were similar and approximately twice those for the rainbow trout. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Thermal preference,tolerance and oxygen consumption of adult white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) exposed to different acclimation temperatures

Final temperature preferendum of white shrimp adults were determined with acute and gravitation methods. The final preferendum was similar, independent of method (26.2–25.6 °C). A direct relationship was determined between the critical thermal maxima values and the acclimation temperatures (P<0.05). The end point of Critical Thermal Maxima (CTMax) for adults was defined as the loss of righting response (LRR). The acclimation response ratio (ARR) for adults of white shrimp had an interval of 0.36–0.76, values that agreed with others obtained for crustaceans from tropical and subtropical climates. The oxygen consumption rates increased significantly (P<0.05) from 39.6 up to 90.0 mg O₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹ wet weight (w.w.) as the acclimation temperature increased from 20 to 32 °C. The range of temperature coefficient (Q₁₀) of the white shrimp between 23 and 26 °C was the lower 1.60. The results obtained in this work are discussed in relation to the species importance in the reproductive scope and maintenance of breeders.     

Thermal ecology of juvenile steelhead in a warm-water environment

How salmonids adjust to the cost of chronic exposure to warm water in nature, particularly in habitats where areas of cold water are unavailable, is largely unknown. In the hot dry climate of southern California, oversummering juvenile steelhead, Oncorhynchus mykiss, can experience a continual warm-water environment. Studies were performed in three streams (34°N) during the summers of 2002–2004 to assess how steelhead (10–28 cm total length) exploit the thermal environment and to develop an understanding of how existing preference and heat tolerance information reported for the species relate to the actual temperatures the local population experiences. Analyses of achievable body temperatures, an index of observed body temperatures, and behavioral time budgets, indicate steelhead did not behaviorally thermoregulate. Findings from associated field surveys suggest areas of cold water were not available. Steelhead held focal points at temperatures (17.4–24.8°C) that were at times higher than the temperature preferences and heat tolerances reported for the species. Oversummering juvenile steelhead accept an elevated body temperature and remain active and forage throughout the day, apparently as a means for coping with warm water at the southern extent of their range. The relatively high body temperatures that steelhead accept appear to represent a compromise in exchange for maintaining an expanded geographic (latitudinal) range.     

Thermal adaptability and disease association in common carp (Cyprinus carpio communis) acclimated to different (four) temperatures

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of temperature (20 °C, 24 °C, 28 °C and 32 °C) on the heamato-biochemical and histological alterations of Cyprinus carpio communis. Increase in the temperature showed significant decrease in the serum protein, while a reduced level of blood glucose at high temperature of 32 °C was observed leading to hypoglycemic conditions in the experimental fishes. A significant correlation (P<0.01) was observed between cholesterol (Cho) and triglycerides (TG) for different temperature treatments. Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) at high temperatures was a good indicator of gill osmoregulatory failure. A variation of 86.40% and 38.33%, respectively, was noticed in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) at 32 °C over minimum experimental temperature of 20 °C. The increase in red blood cell (RBC) and Heamoglobin (Hb) concentration is associated with the decrease of mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), could be the reason for observed poikilo-anisocytosis. Histological studies of different organs of experimental fishes showed accumulation of MMC's (melanomacrophagic centers) and atrophy of the interrenal tissue on exposure to various levels of temperature. These changes were related to severity of thermal stress, being most marked when high temperature was prolonged during acclimatization. Some fishes were found infested by protozoan parasite at elevated temperature of 32 °C. Increased levels of certain biochemical and haemotological parameters studied were strongly correlated with disease in the Cyprinus carpio communis species.     

Growth and thermal tolerance of a Tibet fish Schizopygopsis younghusbandi juveniles acclimated to three temperature levels

Schizopygopsis younghusbandi is an endemic fish of Tibet characterized by slow growth. Artificial stock enhancement was applied to rebuild the natural population of S. younghusbandi in recent years. However, the optimal growth temperature and thermal tolerance of S. younghusbandi has not been studied, which restricts the production of S. younghusbandi fingerling for stock enhancement. The purpose of this paper is to determine the growth, critical thermal maximum (CTMax), lethal thermal maximum (LTMax) and acclimation response ratio (ARR) of S. younghusbandi juveniles (body weight 5.7 ± 1.2 g) at three acclimation temperature levels (10, 15, 20°C). The results showed that acclimation temperature significantly affected the growth, CTMax, LTMax and ARR of the experimental fish. Largest final weight (7.5 ± 2.3 g) was recorded in 15°C group. At a heating rate of 1°C/30 min, CTMax ranged from 30.98 to 32.01°C and LTMax ranged from 31.76 to 32.31°C in the three acclimation temperatures. Schizopygopsis younghusbandi had lower ARR value (0.097) than most other fish species. Low ARR value indicates that S. younghusbandi may have narrower thermal tolerance range and weaker acclimation ability to global warming. For successful aquaculture of S. younghusbandi juveniles, temperature should be maintained around 15°C.     

温度对中国林蛙卵孵化和孵出热耐受性的影响

为了解中国林蛙(Rana chensinensis)卵的孵化率、发育起点温度、发育有效积温、孵化后蝌蚪的成活率和蝌蚪的热耐受性,将当天产出的中国林蛙卵采集回实验室,分别置于5个不同温度(10℃、15℃、20℃、25℃和30℃)下孵化,观察和测量记录卵的孵化率、孵化3d后蝌蚪的成活率、全长及每个温度下卵的发育历期。利用温度梯度装置观察记录孵化10d后蝌蚪的最适温度、逃避温度和致死温度。光照周期设为14L∶10D,湿度设为85%。结果表明,温度对中国林蛙卵的孵化率影响显著;孵化3d后蝌蚪的成活率随着温度的升高而降低,30℃下孵化的蝌蚪在2d之内全部死亡;温度对中国林蛙卵孵化3d后蝌蚪全长的影响极显著,蝌蚪的全长随着温度的升高而增加;应用直线回归法和直接最优化法计算中国林蛙卵的发育起点温度和有效积温,分别为0.51℃、65.29日度和0.38℃、65.52日度,直接最优化法优于直线回归法。经过4个不同温度(10℃、15℃、20℃和25℃)孵化10d后蝌蚪的最适温度分别为(13.2±1.6)℃、(15.7±1.9)℃、(17.3±2.1)℃和(19.5±2.3)℃;逃避温度分别为(28.8±1.4)℃、(30.2±1.6)℃、(31.6±1.3)℃和(33.1±1.8)℃;致死温度分别为(32.9±1.7)℃、(33.8±1.5)℃、(35.2±1.2)℃和(36.7±0.9)℃。经过不同温度孵化10d后蝌蚪的最适温度、逃避温度和致死温度都存在显著差异。     

Effect of rearing temperature on growth and thermal tolerance of Schizothorax (Racoma) kozlovi larvae and juveniles

Effect of rearing temperature on growth and thermal tolerance of Schizothorax (Racoma) kozlovi Nikolsky larvae and juveniles was investigated. The fish (start at 12 d post hatch) were reared for nearly 6 months at five constant temperatures of 10, 14, 18, 22 and 26 °C. Then juvenile fish being acclimated at three temperatures of 14, 18 and 22 °C were chosen to determine their critical thermal maximum (CTMax) and lethal thermal maximum (LTMax) by using the dynamic method. Growth rate of S. kozlovi larvae and juveniles was significantly influenced by temperature and fish size, exhibiting an increase with increased rearing temperature, but a decline with increased fish size. A significant ontogenetic variation in the optimal temperatures for maximum growth were estimated to be 24.7 °C and 20.6 °C for larvae and juveniles of S. kozlovi, respectively. The results also demonstrated that acclimation temperature had marked effects on their CTMax and LTMax, which ranged from 32.86 °C to 34.54 °C and from 33.79 °C to 34.80 °C, respectively. It is suggested that rearing temperature must never rise above 32 °C for its successful aquaculture. Significant temperature effects on the growth rate and thermal tolerance both exhibit a plasticity pattern. Determination of critical heat tolerance and optima temperature for maximum growth of S. kozlovi is of ecological significance in the conservation and aquaculture of this species.     

Thermal range predicts bird population resilience to extreme high temperatures

The identification of the characteristics of species that make them susceptible or resilient to climate change has been elusive because non-climatic influences may dominate short- and medium-term changes in population and distribution sizes. Here we studied the 2003 French heat wave, during which other confounding variables remained essentially unchanged, with a correlational approach. We tested the relationship between population resilience and thermal range by analysing the responses of 71 bird species to a 6-month heat wave. Species with small thermal ranges showed the sharpest decreases in population growth rate between 2003 and 2004 in locations with the highest temperature anomalies. Thermal range explained the resilience of birds to the heat wave independently of other potential predictors, although it correlated with nest location and broad habitat type used by species. The geographically deduced thermal range appears to be a reliable predictor of the resilience of these endothermic species to extreme temperatures.     

Thermal tolerance and preference of the Indian catfish Heteropneustes fossilis

Synopsis The catfish Heteropneustes fossilis tolerates a wide range of temperatures. The minimal (7.9°C) and maximal (39.8°C) lethal temperature values obtained during summer are higher than the minimal (4°C) and maximal (37.7°C) lethal temperature values obtained during winter; gradual heating or cooling versus abrupt exposure to various temperatures did not produce significant differences. Catfish acclimated to temperatures of 28° (summer) or 16°C (winter) finally selected temperatures ranging from 31.3° to 32° C, when placed in a temperature gradient of 15° to 35° C. Catfish avoid temperatures below 25° C regardless of seasonal acclimatization.     

斑马鱼热耐受性对温度驯化的响应及其性别差异

为了探究斑马鱼(Danio rerio)热耐受性对温度驯化的响应及其性别差异,将性成熟斑马鱼分别于适温(28℃)、低温(20℃)和高温(34℃)下驯化14 d,之后测定不同温度驯化下雌鱼和雄鱼的临界高温(critical thermal maxima,CTmax)、致死高温(lethal thermal maxima,LTmax)、临界低温(critical thermal minima,CTmin)、致死低温(lethal thermal minima,LTmin)等热耐受性参数.结果表明:驯化温度对雄鱼和雌鱼的所有热忍耐参数(CTmax、LTmax、CTmin和LTmin)均影响显著(P<0.05),并且驯化温度和性别对热耐受性参数的影响具有交互作用(P<0.05).适温(28℃)驯化下,雌鱼与雄鱼各个热忍耐参数相比无显著差异(P> 0.05);低温(20℃)驯化下雌鱼的耐高温能力强于雄鱼,而高温(34℃)驯化下雌鱼的耐低温能力弱于雄鱼.结果提示:繁殖适温下雌雄斑马鱼的热耐受性趋于一致,而非繁殖适温下二者的热耐受性出现分化.