Effects of Repetitive Temperature Changes on the Stress Response and Growth of Olive Flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus

Abstract

Hur, J.W., Lim, H.K. and Chang, Y.J. 2008. Effects of repetitive temperature changes on the stress response and growth of olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 33: 49–54. This study has examined the effects of repetitive and rapid changes of water temperature (such as sudden rises and falls) on the stress response and growth of olive flounder. Whereas, 3C and 6C rise didn't change the plasma level of Cortisol or glucose, 9C rise significantly increased both stress indicators. On the other hand, only 9C fall meaningfully increased plasma level of Cortisol. Rise in water temperature significantly decreased feed intake, total length and body weight, which was restored to normal once the stress was withdrawn. Survival rate was adversely affected by rise in temperature but not with fall. As a result of olive flounder getting repetitive stress from water temperature, the first response is a rise in their plasma level of Cortisol and the second is a negative effect on their growth and survival. Besides, rising water temperature stressed them much more than falling water temperature.