Energy Expenditure of Sockeye Salmon, Oncorhynchus nerka, During Sustained Performance

Abstract

Fingerling and adult sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) were subjected to long periods of sustained swimming (10–20 days) in air-saturated fresh water. Energy expended was computed from change in body composition and compared with the metabolic equivalent from multiple determinations of oxygen-consumption rate. Caloric loss from body substance exceeded that estimated from total oxygen uptake by an average of 19.8%. The reasons for the difference, and the assumptions involved, are discussed. The difference apparently arises from slight excretion of partially metabolized fuels (anaerobic metabolism) and loss from sloughed body tissues. An oxycalorific equivalent of 4.8 kcal/liter O2 is considered an acceptable value for fish.