Physiological and Behavioral Reactions of Fishes to Temperature Change

Abstract

Teleost fishes possess a central nervous system thermoregulatory mechanism remarkably similar to that of other vertebrates. Inputs from peripheral and anterior brainstem thermosensitive elements are integrated to effect appropriate thermoregulatory responses. The integrated output signal from the thermoregulatory center also appears to provide an input to the respiratory system. Short-term deviations from a given temperature alter respiratory requirements, produce acid–base imbalance, and cause disturbances in fluid–electrolyte regulation. Acclimation to a given temperature involves changes that counteract these disturbances. Key words: fish, temperature change, behavioral responses, physiological responses, temperature regulation