Effects of temperature on specific daily metabolic demand and growth scope of sub-adult and adult smallmouth bass

Abstract

Specific daily metabolic demand (MET) and growth scope were determined for sub-adult (older juvenile) and adult smallmouth bass over the temperature range of 18-30°C. MET generally increased with increasing temperature and decreased with increasing fish weight, following patterns typically observed for fishes. Growth scope for sub-adult and adult smallmouth bass reached a maximum at 22°C and declined rapidly at higher temperatures to just 20% of maximum at 30°C. Sustained periods in which water temperatures substantially exceed 22°C are expected to lead to restrictions in growth scope for older juvenile and adult smallmouth bass, resulting in diminished growth rates, size, and fecundity.