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Journal of Experimental Biology 71,205-211 (1977)
Published by Company of Biologists 1977

The Swimming of Nymphon Gracile (Pycnogonida): The Energetics of Swimming at Constant Depth

ELFED MORGAN 1

1 Department of Zoology and Comparative Physiology, University of Birmingham

1. The mechanical power required by Nymphon for swimming at constant depth has been calculated from drag forces acting on the legs. For an adult male this was found to be 3.4 W kg. Only about 60% of this is used to support the animal's weight in water.

2. The metabolic rate fluctuates spontaneously over a tidal cycle, being greatest during the ebb-tide period. The mean rate of oxygen consumption during the animals least active phase was found to be about 0.1 µlO2 mg-1 h-1.

3. The total carbohydrate and lipid immediately available for combustion have been estimated at 4.64 and 16 µg/mg wet wt respectively. These quantities should be adequate for about 42 h periodic swimming in an adult Nymphon.

Submitted on April 29, 1977






© The Company of Biologists Ltd 1977