If a goldfish is acclimated at 25°C, at which temperature would we expect the fish to swim fastest?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fish are ectothermic, which means their body temperature is determined by the temperature of their surroundings. As a result, their metabolic rate and swimming speed increase with temperature, up to a certain point where it becomes too hot and they start to suffer heat stress.

Goldfish are native to temperate regions of Asia and are adapted to water temperatures that fluctuate throughout the year. They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from about 5°C to 30°C, but their optimal range for growth and reproduction is between 20°C and 25°C.

Therefore, we would expect the goldfish to swim fastest at the temperature it is acclimated to, which is 25°C. At temperatures below that range, the fish's metabolic rate would slow down and its swimming performance would decrease. At temperatures above that range, the fish's metabolic rate would increase but its swimming performance would eventually decline due to oxygen limitation, muscle fatigue, and other physiological and behavioral factors.

If a Goldfish Is Acclimated at 25°C, at Which Temperature