Temperature-dependent gastric evacuation rate of the Japanese delicate loach Niwaella delicata (Cobitidae)

The gastric evacuation rate ( GER ) of the delicate loach Niwaella delicata was estimated experimentally under four temperature conditions (10, 15, 20, and 25 °C). The GER was relatively high under the ≥20 °C condition and was nearly zero under the ≤15 °C condition. The relationship between GER and water temperature was estimated following the method of Elliot ( 1972 ) as follows: GER = exp (0.436 × temperature − 10.59). This physical characteristic might affect the seasonal activity of this species.