In this study the oxygen consumption rate in four groups of Oplegnathus insignis was examined under three different water temperatures 13, 18 and 23°C. Average weight of each group of fish was 9.5, 198, 333 and 525 g respectively. Oxygen consumption was measured in a respirometer of 18.8 L capacity and results show that at the same water temperature occurs an inverse relationship between body weight and oxygen consumption whereas for same body weight (W in kg) the respiration rate varies proportionally with temperature rise (T in °C). The generalized equation of oxygen consumption (Ro) in routine metabolism was determined as: Ro (mg O2 kg-1 h-1) = [85.229 + (10.03 T)]-(221.344 W). The information it is analized with regard to establishing quantitative relationships that allow a more precise specification of the water flow requirements and renewal rates in open flow systems without oxygenation, considering aspects such as body weight, respiratory rate, temperature and stocking density.