THE RESPIRATORY METABOLISM OF TISSUES OF MARINE TELEOSTS IN RELATION TO ACTIVITY AND BODY SIZE

¹ Department of Zoology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, and Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts

1. Determinations were made of the Qo₂ of brain, muscle and liver of three species of marine fishes representing different ecological habitats; a very active constantly swimming species, menhaden; a sluggish bottom-dweller, toadfish; and an intermediate form, scup.

2. Although a direct correlation between Qo₂ of brain and activity of the whole organism was noted, liver and muscle did not show any correlation with activity. The possible significance of this relationship was discussed.

3. A slight increase in Qo₂ of brain and muscle of toadfish and brain of scup with increasing body size was noted. The Qo₂ of toadfish liver decreased with body size.