The Temperature Sensitivity of Some American Freshwater Fishes

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Abstract
Salmo gairdneri, Carassius auratus, Semotilus atromaculatus, Ictalurus natalis, and Lepomis gibbosus were trained to respond to small changes in water temperature. At a rate of change of approximately 0. l[degree]C/min. the learned response was detected at a rise or fall of 0.05[degree]C, but it is possible that fish can discriminate even smaller changes. The Speedomax recorder employed limited finer determinations. Responses to extraneous cues were ruled out in these experiments and the same acuity of perception was shown to increase as to decrease in temperature. It was not ascertained whether fish can, without training, distinguish between a small increase and a small decrease in heat flow. The mechanism of temperature perception in aquatic poikilotherms is discussed. Statistical tests of the data obtained from independent observations established agreement by the authors both as to kind and degree of response observed.

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