This chapter reviews the
influence of environmental temperature on the cardiovascular system.
Specifically, we examine how the cardiovascular system responds to both
acute and chronic changes in temperature, and how these responses differ
across fish species. Cardiovascular responses from the whole organ down
to the molecular level are considered. Given that mitochondrial
(tissue) oxygen demand increases as temperatures warm, we consider how
the cardiovascular system’s critical role in supporting aerobic
metabolism is influenced by temperature change. Furthermore, we assess
the mechanistic basis for cardiovascular collapse at high environmental
temperatures. At the end of this chapter, we discuss the ecological
implications of changes in environmental temperature, by specifically
investigating the suggestion that cardiac function could be a key factor
determining the distribution of fishes.