Equatorial populations of marine species are predicted to be most impacted by global warming because they could be adapted to a narrow range of temperatures in their local environment. We investigated the thermal range at which aerobic metabolic performance is optimum in equatorial populations of coral reef fish in northern Papua New Guinea. Four species of damsel fishes and two species of cardinal fishes were held for 14d at 29, 31, 33, and 34°C, which incorporated their existing thermal range (29–31°C) as well as projected increases in ocean surface temperatures of up to 3°C by the end of this century. Resting and maximum oxygen consumption rates were measured for each species at each temperature and used to calculate the thermal reaction norm of aerobic scope. Our results indicate that one of the six species, Chromisatripectoralis, is already living above its thermal optimum of 29°C. The other five species appeared to be living close to their thermal optima (approximately 31°C). Aerobic scope was significantly reduced in all species, and approached zero for two species at 3°C above current-day temperatures. One species was unable to survive even short-term exposure to 34°C. Our results indicate that low-latitude reef fish populations are living close to their thermal optima and may be more sensitive to ocean warming than higher-latitude populations. Even relatively small temperature increases (2–3°C) could result in population declines and potentially redistribution of equatorial species to higher latitudes if adaptation cannot keep pace.

Since the collapse of the pelagic fisheries off southwest Africa in the late 1960s, jellyfish biomass has increased and the structure of the Benguelan fish community has shifted, making the bearded goby (Sufflogobius bibarbatus) the new predominant prey species. Despite increased predation pressure and a harsh environment, the gobies are thriving. Here we show that physiological adaptations and antipredator and foraging behaviors underpin the success of these fish. In particular, body-tissue isotope signatures reveal that gobies consume jellyfish and sulphidic diatomaceous mud, transferring "dead-end" resources back into the food chain.

SUMMARYAnoxic exposure in the anoxia-tolerant freshwater turtle is attended by substantial decreases in heart rate and blood flows, but systemic blood pressure (Psys) only decreases marginally due to an increase in systemic peripheral resistance (Rsys). Here,we investigate the role of the α-adrenergic system in modulating Rsys during anoxia at 5°C and 21°C in the turtle Trachemys scripta, and also describe how anoxia affects relative systemic blood flow distribution(%Q̇sys) and absolute tissue blood flows. Turtles were instrumented with an arterial cannula for measurement of Psys and ultrasonic flow probes on major systemic blood vessels for determination of systemic cardiac output(Q̇sys). α-Adrenergic tone was assessed from vascular injections of α-adrenergic agonists and antagonists (phenylephrine and phentolamine, respectively) during normoxia and following either 6 h (21°C) or 12 days (5°C) of anoxic submergence. Coloured microspheres, injected through a left atrial cannula during normoxia and anoxia, as well as after α-adrenergic stimulation and blockade during anoxia at both temperatures, were used to determine relative and absolute tissue blood flows.Anoxia was associated with an increased Rsys and functional α-adrenergic vasoactivity at both acclimation temperatures. However, while anoxia at 21°C was associated with a high systemicα-adrenergic tone, the progressive increase of Rsysat 5°C was not mediated by α-adrenergic control. A redistribution of blood flow away from ancillary vascular beds towards more vital circulations occurred with anoxia at both acclimation temperatures.%Q̇sys and absolute blood flow were reduced to the digestive and urogenital tissues (approximately 2- to 15-fold), while %Q̇sys and absolute blood flows to the heart and brain were maintained at normoxic levels. The importance of liver and muscle glycogen stores in fueling anaerobic metabolism were indicated by increases in%Q̇sys to the muscle at 21°C (1.3-fold) and liver at 5°C (1.7-fold). As well, the crucial importance of the turtle shell as a buffer reserve during anoxic submergence was indicated by 40-50% of Q̇sys being directed towards the shell during anoxia at both 5°C and 21°C. α-Adrenergic stimulation and blockade during anoxia caused few changes in%Q̇sys and absolute tissue blood flow. However, there was evidence of α-adrenergic vasoactivity contributing to blood flow regulation to the liver and shell during anoxic submergence at 5°C.

Like most vertebrates, humans die within minutes when deprived of molecular oxygen (anoxia), in part because of cardiac failure. In contrast, some freshwater turtles can survive anoxia for months at low temperatures, but to do so, they drastically suppress cardiac activity and autonomic cardiovascular control. Although Carassius carassius, the crucian carp, shares this anoxia tolerance, we show that it has a unique ability among vertebrates to retain normal cardiac performance and autonomic cardiovascular regulation for at least 5 days of anoxia. These responses point to an unusual tolerance of a vertebrate heart and autonomic nervous system to prolonged anoxia.