Year: 2000
Type: article
Abstract: Recent studies have revealed that reef fish larvae have excellent sustained swimming capabilities and considerable potential for modifying their dispersal patterns by active swimming.However, these studies concentrate solely on the late pelagic phase.We examined the development of swimming abilities from hatching through to settlement in 3 reef fish species (Pomacentrus amboinensis, Sphaeramia nematoptera, Amphiprion melanopus).Larval rearing provided larvae at all stages of development.Experiments were conducted in flow chambers designed for measuring the critical and sustained swimming capability of young larvae.In all 3 species, critical swimming ability increased steadily with age, size, relative propulsive area and developmental stage of the larvae.In contrast, sustained swimming ability showed a marked inflection during development.Differences among species throughout development appear to reflect variations in the developmental patterns of the 3 species.Propulsive area was highly correlated with swimming ability and may prove useful for estimating swimming capabilities among species.The results suggest that some species have the potential to actively modify their dispersal patterns from an early age.
Source: Marine Ecology Progress Series
DOI: 10.3354/meps202163
Authors: R Fisher, DR Bellwood, SD Job
Institution: James Cook University
Language: English
Subfield: Aquatic Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: bronze
Funder: James Cook University
OpenAlex ID: W1977061297