STUDIES OF TROPICAL TUNA SWIMMING PERFORMANCE IN A LARGE WATER TUNNEL - KINEMATICS

1994 ◽  
Vol 192 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Dewar ◽  
J Graham
Keyword(s):  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Beat Frequency ◽  
Fork Length ◽  
Swimming Velocity ◽  
Water Tunnel ◽  
Pectoral Fins ◽  
Swimming Mode ◽  
Anatomical Adaptations ◽  
Large Water ◽  
Tropical Tuna

Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) swimming kinematics was studied in a large water tunnel at controlled swimming velocities (U). Quantified kinematic variables included the tail-beat frequency, stride length (l), caudal amplitude, yaw, the propulsive wavelength, the speed of the propulsive wave (C) and the sweepback angle of the pectoral fins. In general, all variables, except the propulsive wavelength and consequently C, are comparable to values determined for other teleosts. The propulsive wavelength for the tunas (1.23­1.29 L, where L is fork length) is 30­60 % longer than in other cruise-adapted teleosts such as salmonids. The resulting thunniform swimming mode and the morphological and anatomical adaptations associated with the long propulsive wavelength (e.g. fusiform body shape, rigid vertebral column) act to minimize anterior resistance and maximize caudal thrust. The long propulsive wavelength also increases the maximum l which, in concert with the elevated muscle temperatures of tunas, increases their maximum swimming velocity.

Going against the flow: an examination of the propulsive movements made by young brook trout in streams

1998 ◽  
Vol 55 (4) ◽  
pp. 853-860 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L McLaughlin ◽  
David LG Noakes
Keyword(s):  
Brook Trout ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Beat Frequency ◽  
Fork Length ◽  
Spatial Location ◽  
Laboratory Studies ◽  
Pectoral Fins ◽  
Tail Beat ◽  
Temporal And Spatial Heterogeneity ◽  
A Current

We examined the propulsive movements and behaviour of young-of-the-year (YOY) brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) swimming in their natal streams. Our findings demonstrated that swimming performance was influenced by temporal and spatial heterogeneity in water flow. Pectoral fins were used commonly, even by individuals swimming in fast flowing water. There also was spatial variation in the speed attained for a given tail-beat frequency and amplitude. After controlling statistically for variation in spatial location, fork length, and tail-beat amplitude, the swimming speeds brook trout attained for a given tail-beat frequency were lower than values expected from laboratory studies of steady swimming but higher than values expected from laboratory studies of unsteady swimming in standing water. Trout holding station made short-term adjustments in tail-beat frequency also suggesting a degree of unsteady swimming. A field experiment demonstrated that introduction of a current-velocity refuge reduced swimming costs by 10%, on average, without affecting the frequency of foraging attempts made.

scholarly journals STUDIES OF TROPICAL TUNA SWIMMING PERFORMANCE IN A LARGE WATER TUNNEL - ENERGETICS

1994 ◽  
Vol 192 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Dewar ◽  
J Graham
Keyword(s):  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Standard Metabolic Rate ◽  
Water Tunnel ◽  
Scaling Exponent ◽  
Temperature Dependent ◽  
Katsuwonus Pelamis ◽  
Size Groups ◽  
Large Water ◽  
Euthynnus Affinis ◽  
Tropical Tuna

The metabolic rates (V(dot)O2) of three tropical tunas [yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis) and skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis)] were estimated using a large water-tunnel respirometer. Experiments lasting up to 31 h were used to determine the effects of velocity (U) on tuna V(dot)O2 over a range of U (17-150 cm s-1) and temperatures (18­30°C). Replicate tests were carried out on several fish. The swimming V(dot)O2 of yellowfin is temperature-dependent (Q10=1.67, determined over intervals of 3­5°C). For yellowfin and skipjack, it was also possible to partition metabolic costs between maintenance and locomotion. The standard metabolic rate (SV(dot)O2) was estimated by extrapolation of the U/V(dot)O2 function to U=0. Comparisons of SV(dot)O2 for different size groups of yellowfin show that the mass-specific scaling exponent for V(dot)O2 is -0.40. The SV(dot)O2 of tuna is comparable to values determined previously by stasis respirometry and is approximately three times higher than that of salmonids. Further comparisons with salmonids show that the slope of the U/V(dot)O2 function is less for tunas, which demonstrate a greater swimming efficiency.

Aspects of Shark Swimming Performance Determined Using a Large Water Tunnel

1990 ◽  
Vol 151 (1) ◽  
pp. 175-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
JEFFREY B. GRAHAM ◽  
HEIDI DEWAR ◽  
N. C. LAI ◽  
WILLIAM R. LOWELL ◽  
STEVE M. ARCE
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Swimming Speed ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Beat Frequency ◽  
Swimming Velocity ◽  
Water Tunnel ◽  
Lemon Shark ◽  
Negaprion Brevirostris ◽  
Leopard Shark ◽  
Triakis Semifasciata

A large, sea-going water tunnel was used in various studies of shark swimming performance. The critical swimming velocity (Ucrit, an index of aerobically sustainable swimming speed) of a 70 cm long lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris Poey) was determined to be 1.1 Ls−1, where L is body length. The Ucrit of the leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata Girard) was found to vary inversely with body size; from about 1.6Ls−1in 30–50cm sharks to 0.6LS−1 in 120cm sharks. Large Triakis adopt ram gill ventilation at swimming speeds between 27 and 60cms−1, which is similar to the speed at which this transition occurs in teleosts. Analyses of tail-beat frequency (TBF) in relation to velocity and body size show that smaller Triakis have a higher TBF and can swim at higher relative speeds. TBF, however, approaches a maximal value at speeds approaching Ucrit, suggesting that red muscle contraction velocity may limit sustained swimming speed. The TBF of both Triakis and Negaprion rises at a faster rate with swimming velocity than does that of the more thunniform mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque). This is consistent with the expectation that, at comparable relative speeds, sharks adapted for efficient swimming should have a lower TBF. The rates of O2 consumption of swimming lemon and mako sharks are among the highest yet measured for elasmobranchs and are comparable to those of cruise-adapted teleosts.

scholarly journals STUDIES OF TROPICAL TUNA SWIMMING PERFORMANCE IN A LARGE WATER TUNNEL - THERMOREGULATION

1994 ◽  
Vol 192 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Dewar ◽  
J Graham ◽  
R Brill
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Yellowfin Tuna ◽  
The Body ◽  
Water Tunnel ◽  
Thunnus Albacares ◽  
Ambient Temperatures ◽  
Large Water ◽  
Tropical Tuna ◽  
Intense Activity

The body temperatures (Tb) of nine yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) were monitored while fish swam in a large water tunnel at controlled velocities (U) and ambient temperatures (Ta). Monitoring Tb during step changes in Ta at constant U permitted estimation of the thermal rate coefficient (k), an index of heat transfer. In the yellowfin, k is dependent on both Ta and the direction of the thermal gradient (i.e. whether Ta is greater or less than Tb). Modulation of k in response to Ta was further demonstrated during tests in which U was varied; the elevation of Tb in response to equal increases in U was 3­4 times less at 30 C than at 25 and 20 C. These experiments demonstrate that the yellowfin tuna can modulate heat transfer. This ability could prevent overheating during intense activity, retard heat loss during a descent into cool water and permit increased heat gain upon returning to warm surface waters (i.e. when Tb<Ta).

Effect of Morphological Fin-Curl on the Swimming Performance and Station-Holding Ability of Juvenile Shovelnose Sturgeon

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 198-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Deslauriers ◽  
Ryan Johnston ◽  
Steven R. Chipps
Keyword(s):  
Swimming Speed ◽  
Early Onset ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Fork Length ◽  
Critical Swimming Speed ◽  
Pectoral Fin ◽  
Speed Test ◽  
Shovelnose Sturgeon ◽  
Pectoral Fins

Abstract We assessed the effect of fin-curl on the swimming and station-holding ability of juvenile shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus (mean fork length = 17 cm; mean weight = 16 g; n = 21) using a critical swimming speed test performed in a small swim chamber (90 L) at 20°C. We quantified fin-curl severity using the pectoral fin index. Results showed a positive relationship between pectoral fin index and critical swimming speed indicative of reduced swimming performance displayed by fish afflicted with a pectoral fin index < 8%. Fin-curl severity, however, did not affect the station-holding ability of individual fish. Rather, fish affected with severe fin-curl were likely unable to use their pectoral fins to position their body adequately in the water column, which led to the early onset of fatigue. Results generated from this study should serve as an important consideration for future stocking practices.

A PERFORMANCE PREDICTIVE MODEL FOR STEADY SWIMMING OF A FISH ROBOT

2011 ◽  
Vol 08 (01) ◽  
pp. 185-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. H. LOW ◽  
C. W. CHONG ◽  
CHUNLIN ZHOU ◽  
GERALD SEET
Keyword(s):  
Thrust Force ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Empirical Method ◽  
Swimming Velocity ◽  
Underwater Robots ◽  
Swimming Mode ◽  
Reasonable Prediction ◽  
Dimensional Analysis Method ◽  
Semi Empirical ◽  
Analytical Approaches

Swimming performance is one of the primary concerns and applications to the underwater robots, such as thrust force relating to swimming velocity. As fish's swimming involves the kinematics of its own body and the hydrodynamic interaction with the surrounding fluid, it is difficult to formulate a precise mathematical model by purely analytical approaches. In order to avoid tedious parameter studies in evaluating its performance, this paper proposes a semi-empirical method to model the steady-state swimming performance of a BCF (body and/or caudal fin) biomimetic robotic robot. By using a dimensional analysis method, the semi-empirical model for predicting the thrust force generated by a BCF-oscillating swimming mode is derived. Thereafter, the swimming velocity prediction model is established based on the predictive thrust model together with the use of fundamental theory on drag force and the regression analysis on the experimental data. The model shows a reasonable prediction capability as the resultant predicted results are in good agreement with experiment data. Therefore, the proposed modeling method can be used for a quick prediction of the swimming performance in terms of thrust and velocity. The proposed methodology can be extended to other types of fish robots in real environment, by including changes to relevant parameters.

scholarly journals The influence of cerebellar lesions on the swimming performance of the trout

1992 ◽  
Vol 167 (1) ◽  
pp. 171-178
Author(s):  
B. L. Roberts ◽  
A. van Rossem ◽  
S. de Jager
Keyword(s):  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Beat Frequency ◽  
Water Tunnel ◽  
Histological Investigation ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus Mykiss ◽  
Cerebellar Lesions ◽  
All Speeds ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Tail Beat

The influence of partial cerebellar ablation on the performance of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, swimming in a water tunnel was studied. Before surgery, all fish maintained a steady position in the water tunnel at all speeds tested. A linear relationship was found between the specific velocity (body length s-1) and the tail-beat frequency. After partial cerebellectomy, the fish swam well in the tunnel at low speeds, retaining the relationship between tail-beat frequency and specific velocity, but they were unable to maintain a steady position at water speeds requiring tail-beat frequencies above 3.5 s-1 and were swept backwards. Two sham-operated fish swam at all water speeds tested. Post mortem histological investigation showed that the lesions were restricted to the cerebellar corpus. We conclude that the cerebellum plays no role in the generation of motor programmes but may be essential for their selection and implementation.

Pectoral fin locomotion in batoid fishes: undulation versus oscillation

2001 ◽  
Vol 204 (2) ◽  
pp. 379-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.J. Rosenberger
Keyword(s):  
Swimming Speed ◽  
Beat Frequency ◽  
Wave Number ◽  
Phylogenetic Position ◽  
Swimming Velocity ◽  
Pectoral Fin ◽  
Pectoral Fins ◽  
Rhinoptera Bonasus ◽  
Raja Eglanteria ◽  
Fin Length

This study explores the dichotomy between undulatory (passing multiple waves down the fin or body) and oscillatory (flapping) locomotion by comparing the kinematics of pectoral fin locomotion in eight species of batoids (Dasyatis americana, D. sabina, D. say, D. violacea, Gymnura micrura, Raja eglanteria, Rhinobatos lentiginosus and Rhinoptera bonasus) that differ in their swimming behavior, phylogenetic position and lifestyle. The goals of this study are to describe and compare the pectoral fin locomotor behavior of the eight batoid species, to clarify how fin movements change with swimming speed for each species and to analyze critically the undulation/oscillation continuum proposed by Breder using batoids as an example. Kinematic data were recorded for each species over a range of swimming velocities (1–3 disc lengths s(−1)). The eight species in this study vary greatly in their swimming modes. Rhinobatos lentiginosus uses a combination of axial-based and pectoral-fin-based undulation to move forward through the water, with primary thrust generated by the tail. The pectoral fins are activated in short undulatory bursts for increasing swimming speed and for maneuvering. Raja eglanteria uses a combination of pectoral and pelvic locomotion, although only pectoral locomotion is analyzed here. The other six species use pectoral locomotion exclusively to propel themselves through the water. Dasyatis sabina and D. say have the most undulatory fins with an average of 1.3 waves per fin length, whereas Rhinoptera bonasus has the most oscillatory fin behavior with 0.4 waves per fin length. The remaining species range between these two extremes in the degree of undulation present on their fins. There is an apparent trade-off between fin-beat frequency and amplitude. Rhinoptera bonasus has the lowest frequency and the highest fin amplitude, whereas Rhinobatos lentiginosus has the highest frequency and the lowest amplitude among the eight species examined. The kinematic variables that batoids modify to change swimming velocity vary among different species. Rhinobatos lentiginosus increases its tail-beat frequency to increase swimming speed. In contrast, the four Dasyatis species increase swimming speed by increasing frequency and wavespeed, although D. americana also changes wave number. Raja eglanteria modifies its swimming velocity by changing wavespeed and wave number. Rhinoptera bonasus increases wavespeed, Gymnura micrura decreases wave number, and both Rhinoptera bonasus and Gymnura micrura increase fin-tip velocity to increase swimming velocity. Batoid species fall onto a continuum between undulation and oscillation on the basis of the number of waves present on the fins.

scholarly journals Optimum Curvature Characteristics of Body/Caudal Fin Locomotion

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 537
Author(s):  
Yanwen Liu ◽  
Hongzhou Jiang
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Beat Frequency ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Body Motion ◽  
Entire Body ◽  
Cost Of Transport ◽  
Caudal Fin ◽  
Swimming Mode

Fish propelled by body and/or caudal fin (BCF) locomotion can achieve high-efficiency and high-speed swimming performance, by changing their body motion to interact with external fluids. This flexural body motion can be prescribed through its curvature profile. This work indicates that when the fish swims with high efficiency, the curvature amplitude reaches a maximum at the caudal peduncle. In the case of high-speed swimming, the curvature amplitude shows three maxima on the entire body length. It is also demonstrated that, when the Reynolds number is in the range of 104–106, the swimming speed, stride length, and Cost of Transport (COT) are all positively correlated with the tail-beat frequency. A sensitivity analysis of curvature amplitude explains which locations change the most when the fish switches from the high-efficiency swimming mode to the high-speed swimming mode. The comparison among three kinds of BCF fish shows that the optimal swimming performance of thunniform fish is almost the same as that of carangiform fish, while it is better not to neglect the reaction force acting on an anguilliform fish. This study provides a reference for curvature control of bionic fish in a future time.

A re-evaluation of swimming performance in juvenile salmonids relative to downstream migration

1998 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 682-687 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Peake ◽  
R S McKinley
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Salmon ◽  
Swimming Performance ◽  
Fork Length ◽  
Downstream Migration ◽  
Swimming Ability ◽  
Physiological Changes ◽  
Pectoral Fins ◽  
Juvenile Salmonids ◽  
Run Off ◽  
Atlantic Salmon Parr

It has been hypothesized that downstream migration of juvenile salmonids is initiated by physiological changes that occur during smoltification, which render the fish unable, or unwilling, to swim against currents that exceed 2 body lengths per second (BL ·s-1). This decline in ability, coupled with the increase in flow rate generally associated with the spring run-off, is thought to result in passive downstream displacement. To test this hypothesis, we measured holding ability of wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr and swimming ability of wild, migrating Atlantic salmon smolts in the field under ambient environmental conditions. Atlantic salmon parr (fork length 4.8-13.1 cm) used their pectoral fins to anchor themselves for indefinite (i.e., >200 min) periods in water speeds up to 0.86 m ·s-1. Atlantic salmon smolts (fork length 12.4-21.1 cm) swam indefinitely against currents up to 1.26 m ·s-1, maintained velocities as high as 1.64 m ·s-1 for short periods (2-10 min), and made short bursts at speeds up to 1.95 m ·s-1. These findings indicate that absolute swimming performance is not impaired after smoltification and that wild Atlantic salmon smolts are capable of swimming at speeds much greater than 2 BL ·s-1, making it unlikely that they are involuntarily carried to the sea by river currents.

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