The Effects of Temperature Acclimation on Swimming Performance in the Pelagic Mahi-Mahi (Coryphaena hippurus)

Mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) are a highly migratory pelagic fish, but little is known about what environmental factors drive their broad distribution. This study examined how temperature influences aerobic scope and swimming performance in mahi. Mahi were acclimated to four temperatures spanning their natural range (20, 24, 28, and 32 degrees C; 5-27 days) and critical swimming speed (U-crit), metabolic rates, aerobic scope, and optimal swim speed were measured. Aerobic scope and U-crit were highest in 28 degrees C-acclimated fish. 20?-acclimated mahi experienced significantly decreased aerobic scope and U-crit relative to 28 degrees C-acclimated fish (57 and 28% declines, respectively). 32 degrees C-acclimated mahi experienced increased mortality and a significant 23% decline in U-crit, and a trend for a 26% decline in factorial aerobic scope relative to 28 degrees C-acclimated fish. Absolute aerobic scope showed a similar pattern to factorial aerobic scope. Our results are generally in agreement with previously observed distribution patterns for wild fish. Although thermal performance can vary across life stages, the highest tested swim performance and aerobic scope found in the present study (28 degrees C), aligns with recently observed habitat utilization patterns for wild mahi and could be relevant for climate change predictions.

Automated summary

The study examined how temperature affects aerobic scope and swimming performance in mahi-mahi, finding that those acclimated to 28 degrees Celsius had the highest aerobic scope and critical swimming speed. Fish acclimated to 20 degrees Celsius experienced significantly decreased aerobic scope and critical swimming speed, while those at 32 degrees Celsius had increased mortality and decreased swimming performance. These results align with previously observed distribution patterns and have implications for climate change predictions and habitat utilization of wild mahi-mahi.