Alterations to the swimming performance of carp, Cyprinus carpio, as a result of temperature acclimation

Groups of common carp were acclimated to either 10°C or 28°C for 6 weeks. Fish were then exercised at 10°C or 20°C, and the critical swimming speed (fatigue velocity) was measured. At 10°C, cold-acclimated carp were capable of significantly higher swimming speeds. When exercised at 20°C. however, the situation was reversed, and warm-acclimated carp exhibited improved swimming ability. These results provide direct evidence that acclimation of the contractile proteins is beneficial across a wide temperature range. Following acclimation to low environmental temperatures the critical swimming speed exhibited a Q₁₀ of only 1.1 for the temperature range 10–20°C. compared to a value of 2.9 for fish acclimated to the higher temperature.