Graphical Model of Thermoregulatory Behavior by Fishes with a New Measure of Eurythermality

Abstract

The behavioral responses of fishes, specifically preference and avoidance reactions, to temperature are described using a general graphical model based on a broad overview of the literature. A quantitative measure of eurythermality, based on the area of the thermal preference zone, is presented which offers a more meaningful estimate of the optimal thermal requirements of the species than one based on lethality alone. We also emphasize the importance of considering the preference–avoidance responses of fishes when setting ambient water quality criteria for temperature or when estimating the potential environmental impact resulting from changes in the thermal regime of an aquatic system.Key words: thermoregulation, behavior, temperature, eurythermality, thermal preference, avoidance