TOLERANCE, BEHAVIOR AND OXYGEN-CONSUMPTION IN THE SAND GOBY, POMATOSCHISTUS-MINUTUS (PALLAS), EXPOSED TO HYPOXIA

Behavioural and metabolic reactions of Pomatoschistus minutus (Pallas) exposed to various degrees of hypoxia were studied. At 15°C and 20‰ mortality was 50% at 15.2% oxygen saturation. Avoidance and oxygen saturation showed a linear inverse relationship. At levels lower than 60% saturation increased activity occurred; avoidance was significant at 30% saturation. Active, routine and standard MO2 correlated linearly with weight at 6 and 15°C (salinity = 19‰). During hypoxia at 15°C routine MO2 rose significantly at 60–50% and 40–30% saturation expressed either as MO2 during longer periods at night or MO2 at shorter intervals during the day. Standard MO2 was unaffected by hypoxia at 15°C. Haemoglobin concentration was significantly increased when P. minutus was acclimatized to 35% saturation. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved