Swimming in fish has garnered the attention of researchers for more than 50years. Research has focused on the mechanisms that fish utilize during exercise, fuel use patterns, recovery dynamics and the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on fish exercise physiology. Research direction has been influenced both by technology (e.g., availability of telemetry devices and access to swim flumes) and environmental changes (e.g., global warming and pollution). In addition, researchers have begun to examine the interplay between swimming physiology and behaviour. As part of the 50th Anniversary of Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry, this perspective examines the history of fish exercise research, and some of the individuals who have made significant contributions.

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