Chub mackerel larvae fed
fish larvae can swim faster than those fed rotifers and Artemia nauplii
R.
Masuda, J. Shoji, M. Aoyama, M. Tanaka-2002 AU
Fisheries Science, 68(2): 320-324
(from Current Contents)
Abstract :
Developmental changes of swimming speed were analysed
in the chub mackerel Scomber japonicus raised on two distinct dietary
regimens. One group was fed only zooplankton such as rotifers and Artemia
nauplii (R group) and the other group was fed rotifers plus red sea bream
Pagrus major larvae (Pm group). Fish from the Pm group grew faster than
those from the R group, and both the cruise and burst swimming speeds were
faster for the Pm group even when match-sized comparisons were made. Fish in
the Pm group attained a standard length (SL) of 17.5 mm by day 14 and their
cruise and burst swimming speeds were 5.39 SL/s and 18.45 SL/s, whereas the
R group attained 17.35 mm SL by day 17 and their cruise and burst swimming
speeds were 4.28 SL/s and 13.98 SL/s. The results suggest that the swimming
speed of chub mackerel in the wild would develop differently depending on
the food resources they happen to encounter.
(Kyoto Univ, Fisheries Res Stn, Maizuru, Kyoto
6250086, Japan, e-mail: reiji@kais.kyoto-u.ac.jp)