Mummichogs usually experience a varied habitat characterized by temperature fluctuations on a seasonal basis. The relationship that exists between the respiratory metabolism as well as the acclimation temperature brings out the fact that mummichogs easily adapt metabolically to those environments. The species were subjected to temperatures as low as 50C, moderate temperatures of 200C and high temperatures of about 300C. When this species are subjected to long days, there is a resultant increase in the body mass as well as fat score (Hardiman & Mesa 413-426). This also indicates preparations for migration. In the female mummichogs, low temperatures results to a reduction in premigratory addition of fat as well as the body mass. However, this will happen if the exposure to these low temperatures occurs in long days. Additionally, this resulted also into an increase in the levels of plasma of corticosterone in the early phases of photostimulation in low temperatures (Jean & Garside 433-435).
However, there was no effects on the males when exposed to the low temperatures, that is, there was no increase in body mass or fattening of the males. This is despite the fact that there was an early increase in corticosterone.
In some populations of the mummichogs, the relationship existing between weight and length vary greatly. Females tend to be larger than the males (Kneib & Stiven 121-140). When it comes to the length of the mummichog, the temperatures do not affect them because they are known to easily adopt to different environmental conditions and temperatures (Shimizu 310-324). This implies that their contractile function is not greatly affected by the variation in temperatures unlike in other fishes. One distinct feature about this specie is that they are eurythermal. However, for juvenile mummichog, an increase in temperature results in the increase in the growth rate.
Works Cited
Shimizu, Akio. "Effect Of Photoperiod And Temperature On Gonadal Activity And Plasma Steroid Levels In A Reared Strain Of The Mummichog (Fundulus Heteroclitus) During Different Phases Of Its Annual Reproductive Cycle". General and Comparative Endocrinology 131.3 (2003): 310-324. Print.
Jean, Ronald, and E. T. Garside. "Selective Elevation Of The Upper Lethal Temperature Of The Mummichog Fundulus Heteroclitus (L.) (Cyprinodontidae), With A Statement Of Its Application In Fish Culture". Can. J. Zool. 52.4 (1974): 433-435. Print.
Hardiman, Jill M., and Matthew G. Mesa. "The Effects Of Increased Stream Temperatures On Juvenile Steelhead Growth In The Yakima River Basin Based On Projected Climate Change Scenarios". Climatic Change 124.1-2 (2013): 413-426. Print.
Matthews, Samuel A. "The Effects Of Light And Temperature On The Male Sexual Cycle In Fundulus". Biological Bulletin 77.1 (1939): 92. Print.
Kneib, R.T., and A.E. Stiven. "Growth, Reproduction, And Feeding Of Fundulus Heteroclitus (L.) On A North Carolina Salt Marsh". Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 31.2 (1978): 121-140. Print.
