THE RELATION OF TEMPERATURE TO OXYGEN CONSUMPTION IN THE GOLDFISH

Abstract

1. Two levels of oxygen uptake, (1) the lowest point in the resting metabolism in the daily cycle and (2) the maximum steady rate of oxygen uptake found when the fish were stimulated to activity in a rotating chamber, were measured at temperatures from 5° to 35° C.2. The standard (resting) rate was measured over levels of oxygen high enough to avoid any dependence of the rate on oxygen tension. The maximum rate was measured over a series of oxygen tensions down to the asphyxial level.3. The standard rate continued to increase with temperature up to 35° C., the highest temperature at which observations were made. The maximum rate was found by interpolation to reach its highest value at about 30° C. and to remain steady or decrease slightly at higher temperatures.4. The maximum rate of oxygen uptake became dependent upon the oxygen tension between 15 and 40 mm. Hg, depending upon the temperature. These estimates were made in a closed system in which there was an accumulation of the carbon dioxide released i...