Opercular differential pressure as a predictor of metabolic oxygen demand in the starry flounder

Abstract

The feasibility of using a differential pressure sensor connected to an acoustic telemetry device to monitor opercular activity as a correlate of oxygen consumption was investigated. Four starry flounders Platichthys stellatus were fitted with a miniature differential pressure sensor mounted close to the operculum. A cannula was connected to the sensor and inserted under the operculum, inside the branchial cavity. Measurements of oxygen consumption and opercular activity were carried out over a broad range of metabolic activity, from the post-surgery stress (high metabolic rate) to routine metabolic rate the following day. Relationships between differential pressure changes (rate and amplitude) were highly correlated with oxygen consumption (r 2 ¼ 0Á74 and 0Á60 respectively). The results indicate that monitoring opercular activity offers an alternative method for measuring aerobic metabolism in free-swimming fishes in nature.

Reciprocal Behavioral Plasticity and Behavioral Types during Predator-Prey Interactions

“…We use these ventilation rates as estimates for metabolic rates. Other studies on many fish species have found a tight positive relationship between ventilation rate and metabolic rate as measured in a respirometer (van Rooij and Videler 1996; Grantner and Taborsky 1998; Dalla Valle et al 2003; Millidine et al 2008; Frisk et al 2012). To obtain an estimate of pike resting metabolic rate, we measured the resting OBR of each pike by watching the pike undisturbed in its home tank between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. each day for five consecutive days ( N = 5 measures per pike).…”

Differences in metabolism of triploid and diploidSalmo trutta f. lacustrisunder acclimation conditions and after exposure to stress situations

“…The physiological meaning of increased gill ventilation rates in triploid S. trutta f. lacustris are difficult to interpret at present especially under the aspect that haemoglobin content is similar and metabolic rate is reduced in triploid fish. Generally, gill ventilation rates are positively correlated with routine metabolic rates ( Neolamprologus pulcher —Grantner & Taborsky, ; Platichthys stellatus —Dalla Valle, Rivas‐Diaz, & Claireaux, ). However, also the expansion of opercula may modulate and control ventilation (Graham, ).…”

Opercular beat rate for rainbow darters Etheostoma caeruleum exposed to chemical stimuli from conspecific and heterospecific fishes

“…Two possible functional explanations are proposed. First, increased opercular activity can lead to increased oxygen consumption (Dalla Valle et al , 2003), which could be preparatory to flight, offensive or defensive movements, or exploratory behaviour (Rottmann et al , 1992). Second, increased opercular movement could increase water flow towards the head and olfactory epithelia, potentially increasing the efficiency of chemoreception while allowing the fish to remain inactive and retain the benefits of crypsis (Wisenden & Chivers, 2006).…”