Data from: Whole-body endothermy in a mesopelagic fish, the opah, Lampris guttatus
Data files
Apr 13, 2016 version files 897.89 KB
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Wegner et al hematocrits (Table S1).xlsx
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Wegner et al in situ temperatures (Table 1).xlsx
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Wegner et al in vivo temperatures (Table 1).xlsx
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Wegner et al mass-length relationship (Fig. S2).xlsx
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Wegner et al opah depth distribution (Fig. 3).xlsx
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Wegner et al opah fat thickness.xlsx
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Wegner et al opah in vivo temp measurements (Fig. 1).xlsx
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Wegner et al ventricle data (Table S1).xlsx
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Abstract
Endothermy (the metabolic production and retention of heat to warm body temperature above ambient) enhances physiological function, and whole-body endothermy generally sets mammals and birds apart from other animals. Here, we describe a whole-body form of endothermy in a fish, the opah (Lampris guttatus), that produces heat through the constant “flapping” of wing-like pectoral fins and minimizes heat loss through a series of counter-current heat exchangers within its gills. Unlike other fish, opah distribute warmed blood throughout the body, including to the heart, enhancing physiological performance and buffering internal organ function while foraging in the cold, nutrient-rich waters below the ocean thermocline.