A QUANTITATIVE STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE ACTIVITY AND OXYGEN CONSUMPTION OF THE GOLDFISH, AND ITS APPLICATION TO THE MEASUREMENT OF RESPIRATORY METABOLISM IN FISHES

Abstract

1. Apparatus for making continuous records of the activity of isolated and undisturbed goldfish is described, together with a method for measuring oxygen consumption and activity simultaneously. 2. The goldfish were quite variable in their patterns and rates of activity under the experimental conditions. Some fish were diurnally active and nocturnally quiescent, others followed the opposite pattern and still others were arhythmic throughout the periods during which they were observed. Moreover, some fish showed both rhythmic and arhythmic states of activity when studied for periods extending over several weeks or months. 3. Food, light and minor disturbances had pronounced effects on the activity of the goldfish. 4. Simultaneous measurements of oxygen consumption and activity are presented which indicate that the two are closely related above the basal level of oxygen consumption. 5. The bearing of these observations on the collection and interpretation of data on the oxygen consumption of the goldfish and on the measurement of its basal metabolic rate is discussed, and certain advantages of the method are described.