Effects of acute changes in temperature and salinity on the oxygen uptake of larvae of herring (Clupea harengus) and plaice (Pleuronectes platessa)

The combined effect of acute temperature and salinity changes on the oxygen consumption rate of yolk-sac and first-feeding larvae of herring and plaice were investigated. The oxygen uptake of all the larvae of both species increased with increasing temperature, while salinity had various effects. A lower oxygen uptake rate was found for the yolk-sac larvae of both species at lower combined salinities (5 and 12.7 per thousand) and a lower rate was also found for feeding larvae of both species at 12.7 per thousand salinity. It was suggested that this low oxygen consumption could be caused by low larval activity at low salinity. The relationship between oxygen consumption and growth and weight are also discussed.