The Respiratory Metabolism and Swimming Performance of Young Sockeye Salmon

Abstract

The rate of oxygen consumption in young sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) was determined for various swimming speeds, including fatigue levels, at temperatures of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 24 °C. A logarithmic increase in oxygen demand with increase in swimming speed characterized each acclimation temperature. Extrapolation to zero activity (standard metabolism) and maximum activity (active metabolism) provided differences of the order of 10 to 12 times the minimum rate.The greatest scope for activity occurred at 15 °C with an average active metabolic rate of 895 mg O2/kg/hr for a swimming speed of 4.1 body lengths per second, just maintained for 1 hr. Above 15 °C active metabolism was limited, apparently by oxygen availability.Rate of replacement of oxygen debt following fatigue was determined by tracing the return to a resting state of metabolism, and confirmed by re-tests at fatigue velocities. In most instances the rate declined logarithmically with time; in some there was an initial or secondary slump. Times to recovery (return of spontaneous activity) averaged 3.2 hr, independent of acclimation temperature.Swimming speed–fatigue tests indicated a sustained level of performance at about 200–300 min. Comparison with other fish suggests a marked change in slope of the fatigue curve at about 20 sec. The effect of temperature was greatest on sustained speeds and least on burst speeds.