Relative swimming speeds in reef fish larvae

Bellwood, David R., and Fisher, Rebecca (2001) Relative swimming speeds in reef fish larvae. Marine Ecology-Progress Series, 211. pp. 299-303.

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Abstract

In most organisms relative locomotor speed (body lengths per second [bls–1]) is inversely proportional to body size. The ability of late stage reef fish larvae to achieve swimming speeds of over 40 bls–1 is consistent with this general scaling relationship. However, this relationship does not extend to smaller larvae which are not fully developed. Maximum critical swimming speeds appear to be limited by both developmental stage and size. At 7 mm total length when settling, the unusually small larvae of anemonefishes are able to sustain speeds of 49 bls–1. This probably approaches the maximum limit for sustained aquatic vertebrate locomotion.

Item ID: 13327
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 0171-8630
Keywords: coral reef fish; development; larvae; settlement; swimming
Date Deposited: 23 Dec 2010 05:42
FoR Codes: 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0602 Ecology > 060205 Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl Marine Ichthyology) @ 100%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9608 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity > 960802 Coastal and Estuarine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity @ 100%
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