Possible effects of thermal effluents on fish: A review
Abstract Thermal stress is known to have general and specific effects on the physiology of fish. In general, over a species-specific temperature range, increasing temperatures increase metabolic rates and other activity. Deviations from optimum temperature could cause a cessation of spawning behaviour or an increase of abnormal fry. The final level of temperature acclimation is a function of species, size, condition, and past environment. Most fish can acclimate faster to higher temperatures than to lower temperatures. Fluctuating temperatures increase thermal resistance in some species. Temperature preferences in fish are a function of acclimation temperature and of the species-specific optimum temperature. Slight increases in temperature can be lethal because of synergism.