Statement of significance:
The significance of this research is chiefly in determining the
applicability of current theory of stress responses. Energy Homeostasis
Theory has been developed and applied most often in the context of
thermal tolerance, and studies examining osmotic stress have often been
done in invertebrates which do not control body fluid osmolality. As
such, it is unclear if the theoretical framework accurately describes
the response of teleosts to hypersalinity, and whether biological
indicators of crossing the critical threshold are useful. This study
identifies key evidence for unique stress tolerance zones, and leverages
powerful quantitative proteomics tools to describe the molecular
phenotype in these zones. This information is valuable in understanding
the impacts of salinity on teleost fish. It can be used to determine the
level of salinity stress that individuals experience in the field.