Ecological responses to elevated water temperatures across invasive populations of the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) in the Great Lakes basin

Climate warming is expected to alter the distribution, abundance, and impact of non-native species in aquatic ecosystems. In laboratory experiments, we measured maximum feeding rate critical thermal (CT max ) an invasive Eurasian fish, round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), acclimated a range temperatures (18–28 °C) reflecting current projected future conditions for nearshore Great Lakes. Fish were collected from four distinct populations along latitudinal gradient western basin Lake Erie Hamilton Harbour (Lake Ontario) upper St. Lawrence River. Thermal tolerance increased with acclimation temperature Lakes Ontario. However, River had lower capacity exhibited unexpected decline CT at highest temperature. Maximum rates peaked 18–24 °C declined above 24 °C. Northern appear poorly adapted elevated such that their performance could be reduced by climate warming. response data latitudinally distributed are needed inform risk assessment.