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Journal of Experimental Biology 154,383-396 (1990)
Published by Company of Biologists 1990

Speed, Jet Pressure and Oxygen Consumption Relationships in Free-Swimming Nautilus

R. K. O'DOR ¹, J. WELLS ², and M. J. WELLS ³

¹ Motupore Island Research Department, University of Papua New Guinea, Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, B3H 4J1
² Motupore Island Research Department, University of Papua New Guinea, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
³ Motupore Island Research Department, University of Papua New Guinea, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK

1. Neutrally buoyant, ultrasonically telemetering, differential pressure transducers were attached to Nautilus pompilius L. to record mantle cavity pressures while the animals were induced to swim in a flume in response to food.

2. Synchronized videotapes and computer data files showed that jet pressures (p, Pa) increased linearly with swimming speed (µ, ms^-1), p=1565u–8.

3. Because of their stereotyped responses to food, Nautilus could be induced to produce similar pressures in 51 respirometers, where oxygen consumption (V_O2 ml kg^-1) increased as a power function of pressure, V_O2=3.85p^0.584

4. Combining these equations gave an oxygen consumption-speed relationship, V_O2=283u0.584. We used this equation to show that the cost of transport for Nautilus is dramatically lower than that for squid and, at speeds below 0.05 ms^-1, even lower than that of an undulatory swimmer, the salmon.

5. Calculated power inputs and outputs suggest that squid have increased their power density (W kg^-1) 100-fold over their ectocochleate ancestors, and that Nautilus is very efficient in its low-speed, low-energy environment.

6. These laboratory ‘calibrations’ are a basis for field studies using telemeteredpressure data to develop energy budgets for this unique living fossil as a reference for comparing the energetic requirements of ancient and modern seas.

Key words: Nautilus, jet propulsion, locomotion, bioenergetics, cephalopods, evolution, metabolic rate, swimming, power density

Accepted on June 21, 1990

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