Plasticity of upper thermal limits of Australian Paratya spp. (Decapoda, Atyidae) and considerations of climate-change adaptation

Context The ability of ectothermic stream invertebrates to adapt the predicted increases in mean and extreme temperatures is crucial ensuring they continue exist.Aims To examine plasticity thermal limits Australian Paratya spp. (Decapoda, Atyidae) from streams eastern New South Wales (NSW). We hypothesised that upper lethal temperature (ULT, as indicated by median temperature, LT50) would be higher for warm water-acclimated shrimp individuals than winter-acclimatised because importance acclimatisation temperature.Methods Controlled experiments were undertaken determine ULT using ramping assays winter field-acclimatised water laboratory-acclimated spp.Key results Warm demonstrated a significantly LT50 36.1°C did at 34.6°C. exhibited limited acclimation warmer temperatures.Conclusions Results potential vulnerability climate change if increase thresholds are exceeded.Implications Understanding helps predict their respond variability response change. Increasing resilience through target management resorting riparian vegetation shade securing environmental flows may reduce impacts warming.