An attempt was made to determine the "scope for activity" -maximal active metabolism minus basal metabolism and its relation to temperature in the three species Pomatoschistus minutus,P.lozanoi and P. microps, in order to find a possible explanation for the difference in their distribution. The standard (basal) metabolism of the three species was determined at 5°,6.5°,10°,15°,20° and 25°C in sea water and the values thus obtained were compared with data recorded in literature. The results did not yield any evidence for the existence of an endogenous daily rhythm. Neither could any group effect be demonstrated. The relation between oxygen uptake and oxygen content of sea water at 14.5°C was determined for the three goby species. The experimental set-up determine active metabolism turned out to be unsuitable, partly because of the problems involved in the use of a bottom fish, partly because of the apparatus itself. The relation between length and weight of the three species was recorded. |
