Seasonal changes in growth and standard metabolic rate of juvenile perch, Perca fluviatilis L. |
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Authors: | P Karaås |
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Institution: | Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, Coastal Laboratory, P.O. Box 584, S-74071 Öregrund, Sweden |
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Abstract: | The maximum growth rate of juvenile perch, PercaJuviatilis L., at different constant temperatures and in naturally changing day-lengths was studied in the laboratory. Standard metabolic rate was studied in starvation experiments at constant temperatures under short- and long-day conditions. Growth occurred in temperatures above 8 to 10°C. In winter, from mid-October until mid-April, maximal growth was considerably reduced and was relatively slow but constant. The standard metabolic rate was reduced c . 50% under short-day conditions. The seasonal change in metabolic rates, presumably controlled by an endogenous rhythm, was considered to be an adaptation to low food availability during the short winter days. |
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Keywords: | Perca fluviatilis growth metabolism seasonal rhythms |
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