Abstract
Starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus Pallas) were fitted with masks for measurements of ventilation volume and post-gill oxygen tensions, and with arterial and venous cannulae. They were then subjected to periods of low oxygen levels and high temperature. Pre- and post-gill oxygen tension, blood oxygen tension and content, oxygen uptake, and ventilation volume were measured. Effectiveness of gas exchange across the gills, cardiac output, and transfer factor were calculated. A series of blood-oxygen dissociation curves were also constructed at two pH's and temperatures. The data suggest that flounder are able to regulate oxygen uptake down to an environmental oxygen tension of at least 50 mm Hg by increasing ventilation volume and transfer factor while not changing blood flow rate or pattern. Also, the flounder's response to temperature increase is similar to the expected response to exercise, with the exception of an increase in gill diffusion resistance.
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Communicated by J. Bunt, Miami
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Watters, K.W., Smith, L.S. Respiratory dynamics of the starry flounder Platichthys stellatus in response to low oxygen and high temperature. Marine Biology 19, 133–148 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00353584
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00353584