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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #220027
Title: Swimming performance and metabolism of cultured golden shiners

Author
item BEECHAM, RACHEL - MS VALLEY STATE UNIV.
item LABARRE, SUSAN - MS STATE UNIV.
item Pearson, Philip
item MINCHEW, DOUGLAS - MS STATE UNIV.

Submitted to: North American Journal of Aquaculture
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/17/2008
Publication Date: 1/1/2009
Citation: Beecham, R.V., Labarre, S.B., Pearson, P.R., Minchew, D.C. 2009. Swimming performance and metabolism of cultured golden shiners. North American Journal of Aquaculture. 71:59-63.

Interpretive Summary: Groups of five golden shiners were placed in a specially designed swimming apparatus that allowed researchers to study the swimming ability and oxygen requirements of this species. A standard metabolic rate (the amount of oxygen needed) for individual golden shiners was estimated at 131.22 mg O2/kg/h. The total cost of transport (energy needed to swim against a given current) was lowest (0.36 cal/g/km) in water current of 40 cm/s. These results suggest that swimming efficiency is optimal at 40 cm/s.

Technical Abstract: The swimming ability and metabolism of golden shiners, Notemigonus crysoleucas, was examined using swim tunnel respirometery. The oxygen consumption and tail beat frequencies at various swimming speeds, an estimation of the standard metabolic rate, and the critical swimming speed (Ucrit) was determined for shiners swum in groups of five individuals. Oxygen consumption and tail beat frequencies both increased as swimming speed increased, and the standard metabolic rate was estimated at 131.22 mg O2/kg/h for individual fish. The Ucrits were determined for the first, second, and third fish in the group of five to fatigue (38.02, 41.72, and 47.24 cm/s respectively). Total cost of transport was lowest at 40 cm/s (0.36 cal/g/km). Net cost of transport was also lowest at 40 cm/s (0.085 cal/g/km). These results suggest that swimming efficiency is optimal at 40 cm/s and future design of equipment used in baitfish aquaculture could incorporate this information to help maximize their fish growth. The swimming ability and metabolism of golden shiners, Notemigonus crysoleucas, was examined using swim tunnel respirometery. The oxygen consumption and tail beat frequencies at various swimming speeds, an estimation of the standard metabolic rate, and the critical swimming speed (Ucrit) was determined for shiners swum in groups of five individuals. Oxygen consumption and tail beat frequencies both increased as swimming speed increased, and the standard metabolic rate was estimated at 131.22 mg O2/kg/h for individual fish. The Ucrits were determined for the first, second, and third fish in the group of five to fatigue (38.02, 41.72, and 47.24 cm/s respectively). Total cost of transport was lowest at 40 cm/s (0.36 cal/g/km). Net cost of transport was also lowest at 40 cm/s (0.085 cal/g/km). These results suggest that swimming efficiency is optimal at 40 cm/s and future design of equipment used in baitfish aquaculture could incorporate this information to help maximize their fish growth.