The effects of swimming pattern on the energy use of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.)

Maria Faldborg Steinhausen, John Fleng Steffensen, Niels Gerner Andersen

25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Oxygen consumption (MO2) was measured for gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) during spontaneous and forced activities. During spontaneous activity, the swimming pattern was analysed for the effect on MO2 on the average speed (U), turning rate (Θ) and change in speed (δU). All swimming characteristics contributed significantly to the source of spontaneous swimming costs, and the models explained up to 58% of the variation in MO2. Prediction of MO2 of fish in field studies can thereby be improved if changes in speed and direction are determined in addition to swimming speed. A relationship between swimming speed and MO2 during forced activity was also established. During spontaneous activity, 2.5 times more energy was used than in forced swimming at a speed of 0.5 BLs-1. This indicates that spontaneous swimming costs may be considerably higher compared with those of a fixed swimming speed. However, comparing MO2 at the respective optimum swimming speeds with the lowest cost of transport (Uopt) resulted in similar values independent of swimming mode. This could be an important observation in estimating energetic costs of free-ranging fishes.

Original languageEnglish
JournalMarine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology
Volume43
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)227-241
ISSN1023-6244
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010

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