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Johansen JL, Mitchell MD, Vaughan GO, Ripley DM, Shiels HA, Burt JA. Impacts of ocean warming on fish size reductions on the world's hottest coral reefs. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5457. [PMID: 38951524 PMCID: PMC11217398 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49459-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The impact of ocean warming on fish and fisheries is vigorously debated. Leading theories project limited adaptive capacity of tropical fishes and 14-39% size reductions by 2050 due to mass-scaling limitations of oxygen supply in larger individuals. Using the world's hottest coral reefs in the Persian/Arabian Gulf as a natural laboratory for ocean warming - where species have survived >35.0 °C summer temperatures for over 6000 years and are 14-40% smaller at maximum size compared to cooler locations - we identified two adaptive pathways that enhance survival at elevated temperatures across 10 metabolic and swimming performance metrics. Comparing Lutjanus ehrenbergii and Scolopsis ghanam from reefs both inside and outside the Persian/Arabian Gulf across temperatures of 27.0 °C, 31.5 °C and 35.5 °C, we reveal that these species show a lower-than-expected rise in basal metabolic demands and a right-shifted thermal window, which aids in maintaining oxygen supply and aerobic performance to 35.5 °C. Importantly, our findings challenge traditional oxygen-limitation theories, suggesting a mismatch in energy acquisition and demand as the primary driver of size reductions. Our data support a modified resource-acquisition theory to explain how ocean warming leads to species-specific size reductions and why smaller individuals are evolutionarily favored under elevated temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob L Johansen
- Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA.
- Marine Biology Laboratory, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Matthew D Mitchell
- Marine Biology Laboratory, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Grace O Vaughan
- Marine Biology Laboratory, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- BiOrbic, Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre, O'Brien Centre for Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daniel M Ripley
- Marine Biology Laboratory, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Holly A Shiels
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - John A Burt
- Marine Biology Laboratory, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Mubadala ACCESS Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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2
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Schakmann M, Korsmeyer KE. Fish swimming mode and body morphology affect the energetics of swimming in a wave-surge water flow. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:297193. [PMID: 36779237 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Fish swimming modes and the shape of both the fins and body are expected to affect their swimming ability under different flow conditions. These swimming strategies and body morphologies often correspond to distributional patterns of distinct functional groups exposed to natural and variable water flows. In this study, we used a swimming-respirometer to measure energetic costs during prolonged, steady swimming and while station holding in a range of simulated oscillatory wave-surge water flows, within the natural range of flow speeds and wave frequencies on coral reefs. We quantified the net cost of swimming (NCOS, metabolic costs above resting) for four reef fish species with differences in swimming mode and morphologies of the fin and body: a body and caudal fin (BCF) swimmer, the Hawaiian flagtail, Kuhlia xenura, and three pectoral fin swimmers, the kole tang, Ctenochaetus strigosus, the saddle wrasse, Thalassoma duperrey, and the Indo-Pacific sergeant major, Abudefduf vaigiensis. We found that the BCF swimmer had the highest rates of increase in NCOS with increasing wave frequency (i.e. increased turning frequency) compared with the pectoral fin swimmers. The wrasse, with a more streamlined, higher body fineness, had lower rates of increase in NCOS with increasing swimming speeds than the low body fineness species, but overall had the highest swimming NCOS, which may be a result of a higher aerobic swimming capacity. The deep-bodied (low fineness) pectoral fin swimmers (A. vaigiensis and C. strigosus) were the most efficient at station holding in oscillating, wave-surge water flows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Schakmann
- Department of Natural Sciences, Hawaii Pacific University, 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.,Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
| | - Keith E Korsmeyer
- Department of Natural Sciences, Hawaii Pacific University, 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
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3
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Ruszczyk M, Webster DR, Yen J. Dual Phase-Shifted Ipsilateral Metachrony in Americamysis bahia. Integr Comp Biol 2021; 61:1644-1657. [PMID: 34081112 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously documented metachrony in euphausiids focused on one, 5-paddle metachronal stroke, where contralateral pleopod pairs on the same abdominal segment beat in tandem with each other, propelling the animal forward. In contrast, the mysid shrimp Americamysis bahia's pleopods on the same abdominal segment beat independently of each other, resulting in two, 5-paddle metachronal cycles running ipsilateral along the length of the body, 180° out of phase. The morphology, kinematics, and nondimensional measurements of efficiency are compared primarily to the one-cycle Euphausia superba to determine how the two-cycle approach alters the design and kinematics of metachrony. Pleopodal swimming in A. bahia results in only fast-forward swimming, with speeds greater than 2BL/s (body lengths per second), and can reach speeds up to 12BL/s, through a combination of increasing stroke amplitude, beat frequency, and changing their inter-limb phase lag. Trends with Strouhal number and advance ratio suggest that the kinematics of metachrony in A. bahia are favored to achieve large normalized swimming speeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Ruszczyk
- Ocean Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
| | - Donald R Webster
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jeannette Yen
- Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
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4
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Oufiero CE, Kraskura K, Bennington R, Nelson JA. Individual Repeatability of Locomotor Kinematics and Swimming Performance in a Gymnotiform Swimmer. Physiol Biochem Zool 2020; 94:22-34. [PMID: 33275536 DOI: 10.1086/712058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractGymnotiform swimming is a specialized form of swimming wherein thrust is produced by the ribbonlike motion of an elongate anal fin, while the body is held relatively stiff. This form of swimming has been extensively examined in relation to the biomechanics of thrust production, the kinematics of the anal fin, and neuromuscular control, whereas few studies have examined whole-animal performance parameters of this swimming mode. The goals of this research were to (1) assess the maximum abilities and repeatability of two swimming performance measures, sprinting and prolonged swimming, which would indicate that these performance measures in a gymnotiform swimmer may be a target for selection, similar to body-caudal fin-swimming fish; (2) examine how a gymnotiform swimmer modulates swimming speed; and (3) determine whether modulatory behavior is consistent across different-sized fish and within individuals across time. Sprinting and prolonged swimming were examined in black ghost knifefish (Apteronotus albifrons; N=15), multiple times on the same day, and were measured again 4 wk later. Sprinting ability was measured by chasing a fish down a photocell-lined racetrack and obtaining the fastest speed between any 8-cm span. Prolonged swimming abilities were measured in a constant acceleration test (Ucat) in a Brett-style swim tunnel by measuring the maximum speed the fish could attain against a steadily increasing water velocity. We determined frequency, wavelength, and amplitude of the anal fin sine wave in fish swimming at different speeds during the Ucat trials. We found repeatable measures of sprint speed and Ucat performance over short (day) and medium (4 wk) time periods for both tests. Neither sprint nor Ucat performance was significantly dependent on size, suggesting that the primary driver of performance variation was individual differences in physiology. Most modulation of swimming speed occurred through changes in the frequency of the wave train processing down the anal fin, with only modest changes to the wavelength and minimal changes to amplitude. Finally, we compare our measures of swimming performance in this gymnotiform swimmer to published values of body-caudal fin swimmers to demonstrate that this form of locomotion results in comparable sprint and constant-acceleration values.
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5
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Bouyoucos IA, Morrison PR, Weideli OC, Jacquesson E, Planes S, Simpfendorfer CA, Brauner CJ, Rummer JL. Thermal tolerance and hypoxia tolerance are associated in blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) neonates. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:223/14/jeb221937. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.221937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Thermal dependence of growth and metabolism can influence thermal preference and tolerance in marine ectotherms, including threatened and data-deficient species. Here, we quantified the thermal dependence of physiological performance in neonates of a tropical shark species (blacktip reef shark, Carcharhinus melanopterus) from shallow, nearshore habitats. We measured minimum and maximum oxygen uptake rates (ṀO2), calculated aerobic scope, excess post-exercise oxygen consumption and recovery from exercise, and measured critical thermal maxima (CTmax), thermal safety margins, hypoxia tolerance, specific growth rates, body condition and food conversion efficiencies at two ecologically relevant acclimation temperatures (28 and 31°C). Owing to high post-exercise mortality, a third acclimation temperature (33°C) was not investigated further. Acclimation temperature did not affect ṀO2 or growth, but CTmax and hypoxia tolerance were greatest at 31°C and positively associated. We also quantified in vitro temperature (25, 30 and 35°C) and pH effects on haemoglobin–oxygen (Hb–O2) affinity of wild-caught, non-acclimated sharks. As expected, Hb–O2 affinity decreased with increasing temperatures, but pH effects observed at 30°C were absent at 25 and 35°C. Finally, we logged body temperatures of free-ranging sharks and determined that C. melanopterus neonates avoided 31°C in situ. We conclude that C. melanopterus neonates demonstrate minimal thermal dependence of whole-organism physiological performance across a seasonal temperature range and may use behaviour to avoid unfavourable environmental temperatures. The association between thermal tolerance and hypoxia tolerance suggests a common mechanism warranting further investigation. Future research should explore the consequences of ocean warming, especially in nearshore, tropical species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian A. Bouyoucos
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 58 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan Cedex, France
| | - Phillip R. Morrison
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Ornella C. Weideli
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 58 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan Cedex, France
| | - Eva Jacquesson
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 58 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan Cedex, France
| | - Serge Planes
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 58 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan Cedex, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence ‘CORAIL’, EPHE, PSL Research University, UPVD, CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia
| | - Colin A. Simpfendorfer
- Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture & College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Colin J. Brauner
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Jodie L. Rummer
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
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6
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Johansen JL, Akanyeti O, Liao JC. Oxygen consumption of drift-feeding rainbow trout: the energetic tradeoff between locomotion and feeding in flow. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 223:223/12/jeb220962. [PMID: 32591340 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.220962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
To forage in fast, turbulent flow environments where prey is abundant, fishes must deal with the high associated costs of locomotion. Prevailing theory suggests that many species exploit hydrodynamic refuges to minimize the cost of locomotion while foraging. Here, we challenge this theory based on direct oxygen consumption measurements of drift-feeding trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) foraging in the freestream and from behind a flow refuge at velocities up to 100 cm s-1 We demonstrate that refuging is not energetically beneficial when foraging in fast flows because of a high attack cost and low prey capture success associated with leaving a station-holding refuge to intercept prey. By integrating optimum foraging theory with empirical data from respirometry and video tracking, we developed a mathematical model to predict when drift-feeding fishes should exploit or avoid refuges based on prey density, size and flow velocity. Our optimum foraging and refuging model provides new mechanistic insights into locomotor costs, habitat use and prey choice of fish foraging in current-swept habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob L Johansen
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, Department of Biology, University of Florida, 9505 Oceanshore Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32080, USA.,Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii, Manoa, HI 96744, USA
| | - Otar Akanyeti
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, Department of Biology, University of Florida, 9505 Oceanshore Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32080, USA.,Department of Computer Science, Aberystwyth University, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth SY23 3FL, UK
| | - James C Liao
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, Department of Biology, University of Florida, 9505 Oceanshore Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32080, USA
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7
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Camarillo H, Muñoz MM. Weak Relationships Between Swimming Morphology and Water Depth in Wrasses and Parrotfish Belie Multiple Selective Demands on Form-Function Evolution. Integr Comp Biol 2020; 60:1309-1319. [PMID: 32449771 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icaa041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical tradeoffs in performance are predicted to sculpt macroevolutionary patterns of morphological diversity across environmental gradients. Water depth shapes the amount of wave energy organisms' experience, which should result in evolutionary tradeoffs between speed and maneuverability in fish swimming morphology. Here, we tested whether morphological evolution would reflect functional tradeoffs in swimming performance in 131 species of wrasses and parrotfish (Family: Labridae) across a water depth gradient. We found that maximum water depth predicts variation in pectoral fin aspect ratio (AR) in wrasses, but not in parrotfish. Shallow-water wrasses exhibit wing-like pectoral fins that help with "flapping," which allows more efficient swimming at faster speeds. Deeper water species, in contrast, exhibit more paddle-like pectoral fins associated with enhanced maneuverability at slower speeds. Functional morphology responds to a number of different, potentially contrasting selective pressures. Furthermore, many-to-one mapping may release some traits from selection on performance at the expense of others. As such, deciphering the signatures of mechanical tradeoffs on phenotypic evolution will require integrating multiple aspects of ecological and morphological variation. As the field of evolutionary biomechanics moves into the era of big data, we will be uniquely poised to disentangle the intrinsic and extrinsic predictors of functional diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Camarillo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, 165 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Martha M Muñoz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, 165 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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8
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Flikac T, Cook DG, Davison W. The effect of temperature and meal size on the aerobic scope and specific dynamic action of two temperate New Zealand finfish Chrysophrys auratus and Aldrichetta forsteri. J Comp Physiol B 2020; 190:169-183. [PMID: 31996987 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-020-01258-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Shallow coastal and estuarine habitats function as nurseries for many juvenile fish. In this comparative study, metabolic profiles of two New Zealand finfish, snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) and yellow-eyed mullet-YEM (Aldrichetta forsteri) that as juveniles share the same temperate coastal environments, were examined. Metabolic parameters (routine and maximum metabolic rates, and specific dynamic action-SDA) were investigated at a set of temperatures (13, 17, 21 °C) within the range juveniles both species experience annually. SDA was also determined for a range of different feed rations to investigate the effects of meal size on postprandial metabolic response. Temperature was a strong modulator of snapper and YEM metabolic profile (routine and maximum metabolic rates, and absolute and factorial aerobic scope). Metabolic rates increased with temperature in both species as did absolute scope in YEM, though for snapper, it was only greater at the highest temperature. Factorial scope behaved in the same fashion for the two species, being greatest at 13 °C. Both absolute and factorial scope were ~ twofold greater in YEM than in snapper across the entire temperature range. Temperature also affected SDA response in snapper, while in YEM, SDA parameters were largely unaffected when temperature increased from 17 to 21 °C. Snapper were able to consume a large range of meal sizes (0.5-3.0% body mass-BM) with meal sizes > 1% BM having a pronounced effect on numerous SDA parameters, whereas mullet appeared to consume more limited ration sizes (≤ 1.0% BM). In both species, rations ≤ 1% BM produced similar changes in SDA parameters identifying comparable digestive bio-energetics. Overall, our metabolic characterisations demonstrate that both species can adjust to the variable temperate environmental temperatures and manage the energetic costs of digestion and feed assimilation. Yet, despite these general similarities, YEM's greater aerobic scope may point to better physiological adaptation to the highly variable temperate coastal environment than were observed in snapper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomislav Flikac
- Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Ilam, Christchurch, 8041, New Zealand.
| | - Denham G Cook
- Seafood Production Group, The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, 293-297 Akersten Street, Port Nelson, 7043, New Zealand.
| | - William Davison
- Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Ilam, Christchurch, 8041, New Zealand
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9
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Soerensen MS, Steffensen JF, Bushnell PG, Korsmeyer KE. Swimming in unsteady water flows: is turning in a changing flow an energetically expensive endeavor for fish? J Exp Biol 2020:jeb.212795. [PMID: 34005401 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.212795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Unsteady, dynamic flow regimes commonly found in shallow marine ecosystems such as coral reefs pose an energetic challenge for mobile organisms that typically depend on station holding for fitness-related activities. The majority of experimental studies, however, have measured energetic costs of locomotion at steady speeds, with only a few studies measuring the effects of oscillatory flows. In this study, we used a bidirectional swimming respirometer to create six oscillatory water flow regimes consisting of three frequency and amplitude combinations for both unidirectional and bidirectional oscillatory flows. Using the goldring surgeonfish, Ctenochaetus strigosus, a pectoral-fin (labriform) swimmer, we quantified the net cost of swimming (swimming metabolic rate minus standard metabolic rate) associated with station-holding under these various conditions. We determined that the swimming costs of station-holding in the bidirectional flow regime increased by 2-fold compared with costs based on swimming over the same range velocities at steady speeds. Furthermore, as we found minimal differences in energetic costs associated with station-holding in the unidirectional, oscillating-flow compared with that predicted from steady swimming costs, we conclude that the added acceleration costs are minimal, while the act of turning is an energetically expensive endeavor for this reef fish species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias S Soerensen
- Department of Natural Sciences, Hawaii Pacific University, 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu, HI 96813 USA
| | - John F Steffensen
- Marine Biological Section, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Strandpromenaden 5, DK-3000, Helsingør, Denmark
| | - Peter G Bushnell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indiana University South Bend, 1700 Mishawaka Ave, South Bend, IN 46615 USA
| | - Keith E Korsmeyer
- Department of Natural Sciences, Hawaii Pacific University, 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu, HI 96813 USA
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10
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Marcoux TM, Korsmeyer KE. Energetics and behavior of coral reef fishes during oscillatory swimming in a simulated wave surge. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.191791. [PMID: 30659085 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.191791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxygen consumption rates were measured for coral reef fishes during swimming in a bidirectional, oscillatory pattern to simulate station-holding in wave-induced, shallow-water flows. For all species examined, increases in wave intensity, as simulated by increases in frequency and amplitude of oscillation, yielded increased metabolic rates and net costs of swimming (NCOS; swimming metabolic rate minus standard metabolic rate). Comparing species with different swimming modes, the caudal fin swimming Kuhlia spp. (Kuhliidae) and simultaneous pectoral-caudal fin swimming Amphiprion ocellaris (Pomacentridae) turned around to face the direction of swimming most of the time, whereas the median-paired fin (MPF) swimmers, the pectoral fin swimming Ctenochaetus strigosus (Acanthuridae) and dorsal-anal fin swimming Sufflamen bursa (Balistidae), more frequently swam in reverse for one half of the oscillation to avoid turning. Contrary to expectations, the body-caudal fin (BCF) swimming Kuhlia spp. had the lowest overall NCOS in the oscillatory swimming regime compared with the MPF swimmers. However, when examining the effect of increasing frequency of oscillation at similar average velocities, Ku hlia spp. showed a 24% increase in NCOS with a 50% increase in direction changes and accelerations. The two strict MPF swimmers had lower increases on average, suggestive of reduced added costs with increasing frequency of direction changes with this swimming mode. Further studies are needed on the costs of unsteady swimming to determine whether these differences can explain the observed prevalence of fishes using the MPF pectoral fin swimming mode in reef habitats exposed to high, wave-surge-induced water flows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis M Marcoux
- Department of Natural Sciences, Hawaii Pacific University, 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Keith E Korsmeyer
- Department of Natural Sciences, Hawaii Pacific University, 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
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11
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Whitlow KR, Santini F, Oufiero CE. Convergent evolution of locomotor morphology but not performance in gymnotiform swimmers. J Evol Biol 2018; 32:76-88. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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12
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Bellwood DR, Tebbett SB, Bellwood O, Mihalitsis M, Morais RA, Streit RP, Fulton CJ. The role of the reef flat in coral reef trophodynamics: Past, present, and future. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:4108-4119. [PMID: 29721284 PMCID: PMC5916286 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The reef flat is one of the largest and most distinctive habitats on coral reefs, yet its role in reef trophodynamics is poorly understood. Evolutionary evidence suggests that reef flat colonization by grazing fishes was a major innovation that permitted the exploitation of new space and trophic resources. However, the reef flat is hydrodynamically challenging, subject to high predation risks and covered with sediments that inhibit feeding by grazers. To explore these opposing influences, we examine the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) as a model system. We focus on grazing herbivores that directly access algal primary productivity in the epilithic algal matrix (EAM). By assessing abundance, biomass, and potential fish productivity, we explore the potential of the reef flat to support key ecosystem processes and its ability to maintain fisheries yields. On the GBR, the reef flat is, by far, the most important habitat for turf-grazing fishes, supporting an estimated 79% of individuals and 58% of the total biomass of grazing surgeonfishes, parrotfishes, and rabbitfishes. Approximately 59% of all (reef-wide) turf algal productivity is removed by reef flat grazers. The flat also supports approximately 75% of all grazer biomass growth. Our results highlight the evolutionary and ecological benefits of occupying shallow-water habitats (permitting a ninefold population increase). The acquisition of key locomotor and feeding traits has enabled fishes to access the trophic benefits of the reef flat, outweighing the costs imposed by water movement, predation, and sediments. Benthic assemblages on reefs in the future may increasingly resemble those seen on reef flats today, with low coral cover, limited topographic complexity, and extensive EAM. Reef flat grazing fishes may therefore play an increasingly important role in key ecosystem processes and in sustaining future fisheries yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Bellwood
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia.,College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Sterling B Tebbett
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia.,College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Orpha Bellwood
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Michalis Mihalitsis
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia.,College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Renato A Morais
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia.,College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Robert P Streit
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia.,College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Christopher J Fulton
- Research School of Biology The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
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13
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Johansen JL, Esbaugh AJ. Sustained impairment of respiratory function and swim performance following acute oil exposure in a coastal marine fish. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2017; 187:82-89. [PMID: 28395197 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Acute exposure to crude oil polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) can severely impair cardiorespiratory function and swim performance of larval fish; however, the effects of acute oil exposure on later life stages and the capacity for subsequent recovery is less clear. Red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) is an economically important apex predator native to the Gulf of Mexico, which was directly exposed to the 2010 Deep Water Horizon (DWH) oil spill. Here we examine impact and recovery of young adult red drum from exposure to concentrations of 0, 4.1, and 12.1μgL-1 ΣPAH50 naturally weathered oil-water accommodated fractions (geometric mean), which are well within the range of concentrations measured during the DWH incident. We focused on aerobic scope (ASc), burst- and critical swimming speeds (Uburst and Ucrit), cost of transport (COT), as well as the capacity to repay oxygen debt following exhaustive exercise (EPOC), which are critical parameters for success of all life stages of fishes. A 24h acute exposure to 4.1μgL-1 ΣPAH caused a significant 9.7 and 12.6% reduction of Uburst and Ucrit respectively, but no change in ASc, COT or EPOC, highlighting a decoupled effect on the respiratory and swimming systems. A higher exposure concentration, 12.1μgL-1 ΣPAH, caused an 8.6 and 8.4% impairment of Uburst and Ucrit, as well as an 18.4% reduction in ASc. These impairments persisted six weeks post-exposure, suggesting that recorded impacts are entrenched. Large predatory fishes are critically dependent on the cardiorespiratory and swimming systems for ecological fitness, and long-term impairment of performance due to acute oil exposure suggests that even acute exposure events may have long lasting impacts on the ecological fitness of affected populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Johansen
- University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX, 78373, USA.
| | - A J Esbaugh
- University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX, 78373, USA
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14
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Mazloumi N, Johansen JL, Doubleday ZA, Gillanders BM. Q 10 measures of metabolic performance and critical swimming speed in King George whiting Sillaginodes punctatus. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2017; 90:2200-2205. [PMID: 28211053 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This study examined thermally driven changes in swimming performance and aerobic metabolism (Q10 and aerobic scope of activity) of adult King George whiting Sillaginodes punctatus to the coldest (16° C) and the warmest (26° C) temperature encountered by this species. Compensation of aerobic scope, higher maximal swimming speeds and a maintained capacity to repay oxygen debt indicate that this species is capable of thermal acclimation to conditions expected under global warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Mazloumi
- Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories, Darling Building DX 650 418, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - J L Johansen
- Marine Science Institute, University of Texas at Austin, TX, 78373, U.S.A
| | - Z A Doubleday
- Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories, Darling Building DX 650 418, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - B M Gillanders
- Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories, Darling Building DX 650 418, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
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15
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Fulton CJ, Wainwright PC, Hoey AS, Bellwood DR. Global ecological success of Thalassoma fishes in extreme coral reef habitats. Ecol Evol 2016; 7:466-472. [PMID: 28070307 PMCID: PMC5214093 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic adaptations can allow organisms to relax abiotic selection and facilitate their ecological success in challenging habitats, yet we have relatively little data for the prevalence of this phenomenon at macroecological scales. Using data on the relative abundance of coral reef wrasses and parrotfishes (f. Labridae) spread across three ocean basins and the Red Sea, we reveal the consistent global dominance of extreme wave‐swept habitats by fishes in the genus Thalassoma, with abundances up to 15 times higher than any other labrid. A key locomotor modification—a winged pectoral fin that facilitates efficient underwater flight in high‐flow environments—is likely to have underpinned this global success, as numerical dominance by Thalassoma was contingent upon the presence of high‐intensity wave energy. The ecological success of the most abundant species also varied with species richness and the presence of congeneric competitors. While several fish taxa have independently evolved winged pectoral fins, Thalassoma appears to have combined efficient high‐speed swimming (to relax abiotic selection) with trophic versatility (to maximize exploitation of rich resources) to exploit and dominate extreme coral reef habitats around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Fulton
- Research School of Biology The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | | | - Andrew S Hoey
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies College of Marine & Environmental Sciences James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia; Red Sea Research Center Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Thuwal Saudi Arabia
| | - David R Bellwood
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies College of Marine & Environmental Sciences James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
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16
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Oufiero CE, Whitlow KR. The evolution of phenotypic plasticity in fish swimming. Curr Zool 2016; 62:475-488. [PMID: 29491937 PMCID: PMC5804253 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zow084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fish have a remarkable amount of variation in their swimming performance, from within species differences to diversity among major taxonomic groups. Fish swimming is a complex, integrative phenotype and has the ability to plastically respond to a myriad of environmental changes. The plasticity of fish swimming has been observed on whole-organismal traits such as burst speed or critical swimming speed, as well as underlying phenotypes such as muscle fiber types, kinematics, cardiovascular system, and neuronal processes. Whether the plastic responses of fish swimming are beneficial seems to depend on the environmental variable that is changing. For example, because of the effects of temperature on biochemical processes, alterations of fish swimming in response to temperature do not seem to be beneficial. In contrast, changes in fish swimming in response to variation in flow may benefit the fish to maintain position in the water column. In this paper, we examine how this plasticity in fish swimming might evolve, focusing on environmental variables that have received the most attention: temperature, habitat, dissolved oxygen, and carbon dioxide variation. Using examples from previous research, we highlight many of the ways fish swimming can plastically respond to environmental variation and discuss potential avenues of future research aimed at understanding how plasticity of fish swimming might evolve. We consider the direct and indirect effects of environmental variation on swimming performance, including changes in swimming kinematics and suborganismal traits thought to predict swimming performance. We also discuss the role of the evolution of plasticity in shaping macroevolutionary patterns of diversity in fish swimming.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katrina R. Whitlow
- Department of Biological Sciences, Towson University, Towson, MD 21252, USA
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17
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Rummer JL, Binning SA, Roche DG, Johansen JL. Methods matter: considering locomotory mode and respirometry technique when estimating metabolic rates of fishes. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 4:cow008. [PMID: 27382471 PMCID: PMC4922262 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cow008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Respirometry is frequently used to estimate metabolic rates and examine organismal responses to environmental change. Although a range of methodologies exists, it remains unclear whether differences in chamber design and exercise (type and duration) produce comparable results within individuals and whether the most appropriate method differs across taxa. We used a repeated-measures design to compare estimates of maximal and standard metabolic rates (MMR and SMR) in four coral reef fish species using the following three methods: (i) prolonged swimming in a traditional swimming respirometer; (ii) short-duration exhaustive chase with air exposure followed by resting respirometry; and (iii) short-duration exhaustive swimming in a circular chamber. We chose species that are steady/prolonged swimmers, using either a body-caudal fin or a median-paired fin swimming mode during routine swimming. Individual MMR estimates differed significantly depending on the method used. Swimming respirometry consistently provided the best (i.e. highest) estimate of MMR in all four species irrespective of swimming mode. Both short-duration protocols (exhaustive chase and swimming in a circular chamber) produced similar MMR estimates, which were up to 38% lower than those obtained during prolonged swimming. Furthermore, underestimates were not consistent across swimming modes or species, indicating that a general correction factor cannot be used. However, SMR estimates (upon recovery from both of the exhausting swimming methods) were consistent across both short-duration methods. Given the increasing use of metabolic data to assess organismal responses to environmental stressors, we recommend carefully considering respirometry protocols before experimentation. Specifically, results should not readily be compared across methods; discrepancies could result in misinterpretation of MMR and aerobic scope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie L. Rummer
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Sandra A. Binning
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Division of Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
- Éco-Éthologie, Institut de Biologie, Université de Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel 2000, Switzerland
| | - Dominique G. Roche
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Division of Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
- Éco-Éthologie, Institut de Biologie, Université de Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel 2000, Switzerland
| | - Jacob L. Johansen
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
- Marine Science Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
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18
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Bellwood DR, Goatley CHR, Bellwood O. The evolution of fishes and corals on reefs: form, function and interdependence. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2016; 92:878-901. [PMID: 26970292 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Coral reefs are renowned for their spectacular biodiversity and the close links between fishes and corals. Despite extensive fossil records and common biogeographic histories, the evolution of these two key groups has rarely been considered together. We therefore examine recent advances in molecular phylogenetics and palaeoecology, and place the evolution of fishes and corals in a functional context. In critically reviewing the available fossil and phylogenetic evidence, we reveal a marked congruence in the evolution of the two groups. Despite one group consisting of swimming vertebrates and the other colonial symbiotic invertebrates, fishes and corals have remarkably similar evolutionary histories. In the Paleocene and Eocene [66-34 million years ago (Ma)] most modern fish and coral families were present, and both were represented by a wide range of functional morphotypes. However, there is little evidence of diversification at this time. By contrast, in the Oligocene and Miocene (34-5.3 Ma), both groups exhibited rapid lineage diversification. There is also evidence of increasing reef area, occupation of new habitats, increasing coral cover, and potentially, increasing fish abundance. Functionally, the Oligocene-Miocene is marked by the appearance of new fish and coral taxa associated with high-turnover fast-growth ecosystems and the colonization of reef flats. It is in this period that the functional characteristics of modern coral reefs were established. Most species, however, only arose in the last 5.3 million years (Myr; Plio-Pleistocene), with the average age of fish species being 5.3 Myr, and corals just 1.9 Myr. While these species are genetically distinct, phenotypic differences are often limited to variation in colour or minor morphological features. This suggests that the rapid increase in biodiversity during the last 5.3 Myr was not matched by changes in ecosystem function. For reef fishes, colour appears to be central to recent diversification. However, the presence of pigment patterns in the Eocene suggests that colour may not have driven recent diversification. Furthermore, the lack of functional changes in fishes or corals over the last 5 Myr raises questions over the role and importance of biodiversity in shaping the future of coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Bellwood
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Christopher H R Goatley
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Orpha Bellwood
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
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19
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Norin T, Clark TD. Measurement and relevance of maximum metabolic rate in fishes. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2016; 88:122-51. [PMID: 26586591 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2014] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Maximum (aerobic) metabolic rate (MMR) is defined here as the maximum rate of oxygen consumption (M˙O2max ) that a fish can achieve at a given temperature under any ecologically relevant circumstance. Different techniques exist for eliciting MMR of fishes, of which swim-flume respirometry (critical swimming speed tests and burst-swimming protocols) and exhaustive chases are the most common. Available data suggest that the most suitable method for eliciting MMR varies with species and ecotype, and depends on the propensity of the fish to sustain swimming for extended durations as well as its capacity to simultaneously exercise and digest food. MMR varies substantially (>10 fold) between species with different lifestyles (i.e. interspecific variation), and to a lesser extent (<three-fold) between individuals of the same species (i.e. intraspecific variation). MMR often changes allometrically with body size and is modulated by several environmental factors, including temperature and oxygen availability. Due to the significance of MMR in determining aerobic scope, interest in measuring this trait has spread across disciplines in attempts to predict effects of climate change on fish populations. Here, various techniques used to elicit and measure MMR in different fish species with contrasting lifestyles are outlined and the relevance of MMR to the ecology, fitness and climate change resilience of fishes is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Norin
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Marine Lab Road, St. John's, NL, A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - T D Clark
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, Qld, 4810, Australia
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20
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Silva AT, Hatry C, Thiem JD, Gutowsky LFG, Hatin D, Zhu DZ, W. Dawson J, Katopodis C, J. Cooke S. Behaviour and locomotor activity of a migratory catostomid during fishway passage. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123051. [PMID: 25853245 PMCID: PMC4390351 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fishways have been developed to restore longitudinal connectivity in rivers. Despite their potential for aiding fish passage, fishways may represent a source of significant energetic expenditure for fish as they are highly turbulent environments. Nonetheless, our understanding of the physiological mechanisms underpinning fishway passage of fish is still limited. We examined swimming behaviour and activity of silver redhorse (Moxostoma anisurum) during its upriver spawning migration in a vertical slot fishway. We used an accelerometer-derived instantaneous activity metric (overall dynamic body acceleration) to estimate location-specific swimming activity. Silver redhorse demonstrated progressive increases in activity during upstream fishway passage. Moreover, location-specific passage duration decreased with an increasing number of passage attempts. Turning basins and the most upstream basin were found to delay fish passage. No relationship was found between basin-specific passage duration and activity and the respective values from previous basins. The results demonstrate that successful fishway passage requires periods of high activity. The resultant energetic expenditure may affect fitness, foraging behaviour and increase susceptibility to predation, compromising population sustainability. This study highlights the need to understand the physiological mechanisms underpinning fishway passage to improve future designs and interpretation of biological evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana T. Silva
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Charles Hatry
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason D. Thiem
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lee F. G. Gutowsky
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Hatin
- Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, Longueuil, Québec, Canada
| | - David Z. Zhu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | | | - Steven J. Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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21
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Walker JA, Alfaro ME, Noble MM, Fulton CJ. Body fineness ratio as a predictor of maximum prolonged-swimming speed in coral reef fishes. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75422. [PMID: 24204575 PMCID: PMC3799785 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to sustain high swimming speeds is believed to be an important factor affecting resource acquisition in fishes. While we have gained insights into how fin morphology and motion influences swimming performance in coral reef fishes, the role of other traits, such as body shape, remains poorly understood. We explore the ability of two mechanistic models of the causal relationship between body fineness ratio and endurance swimming-performance to predict maximum prolonged-swimming speed (Umax ) among 84 fish species from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. A drag model, based on semi-empirical data on the drag of rigid, submerged bodies of revolution, was applied to species that employ pectoral-fin propulsion with a rigid body at U max. An alternative model, based on the results of computer simulations of optimal shape in self-propelled undulating bodies, was applied to the species that swim by body-caudal-fin propulsion at Umax . For pectoral-fin swimmers, Umax increased with fineness, and the rate of increase decreased with fineness, as predicted by the drag model. While the mechanistic and statistical models of the relationship between fineness and Umax were very similar, the mechanistic (and statistical) model explained only a small fraction of the variance in Umax . For body-caudal-fin swimmers, we found a non-linear relationship between fineness and Umax , which was largely negative over most of the range of fineness. This pattern fails to support either predictions from the computational models or standard functional interpretations of body shape variation in fishes. Our results suggest that the widespread hypothesis that a more optimal fineness increases endurance-swimming performance via reduced drag should be limited to fishes that swim with rigid bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A. Walker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern Maine, Portland, Maine, United States of America
| | - Michael E. Alfaro
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Mae M. Noble
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Christopher J. Fulton
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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