We simulated thermal increases encountered by postlarval and juvenile estuarine fishes entrained in power plant cooling systems. Three methods were used to measure the effects of thermal shock on these fishes: (1) critical thermal maximum (CTM); (2) changes in routine oxygen consumption; and (3) survival after exposure to sudden increases in temperature for various periods of time. For menhaden, spot, and pinfish acclimated at 15° C, CTM values were 29.4, 31.0, and 31.0 respectively. Oxygen consumption of menhaden, spot, and pinfish, increased as we raised the temperature in 5° increments from the environmental temperature, indicating that additional energy expenditures are necessary to maintain the fish at the elevated temperatures. At temperatures of 15° C above the normal environmental temperature, all of the menhaden, spot, and pinfish died within 5 to 10 minutes. Young striped killifish acclimated at 22° C survived at 39° C for more than 30 minutes but all died at 40° C.
