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

Abstract

Oxygen uptake of liver, muscle and brain tissue of the sluggish toadfish (Opsanus tau), actively swimming menhaden (Brevoortia tvrannus). and the intermediately active scup (Stenotomus chrysops) was deter-mined at 30[degree] C by the direct method of Warburg. Although a positive correlation between O2 consumption of brain tissue and activity of the organism was noted, liver and muscle QO2 showed no relationship to activity. QO2 of brain and muscle of toadfish and brain of scup increased slightly with body size; that of toadfish liver decreased. The possible significance of these phenomena was discussed.