Pectoral Fin and Opercular Movements of Atlantic Salmon ( Salmo salar ) Alevins

• Published in: Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada
• Main Author: Peterson, Richard H.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1975
• Subjects: General Medicine; Atlantic salmon; Salmo salar
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/f75-082; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/f75-082

The pectoral fins of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) alevins change in shape and orientation as development proceeds. They flutter rhythmically at 100–150/min whereas opercula move infrequently in newly hatched alevins. Ablation of pectoral fins induces increased opercular movements. Rhythmic movements of the pectoral fins displace water from the posterior edge of the opercula to the area immediately behind the fins. The frequency of pectoral movements is influenced by changes in ambient PO 2 . The pectoral movements are probably useful in generating water currents around the alevin in the gravel interstices.