Energy Metabolism and Aerobic Scope in Australoheros facetus (Teleostei: Cichlidae)

Abstract

The southamerican cichlid Australoheros facetus (Jenyns, 1842) has a demonstrated adaptability to diverse freshwater habitats, so much so that it has become invasive outside of its natural distribution range. In this study, estimates of standard, routine and maximum metabolic rates for this species are provided, along with other vital parameters. Fish were captured in Naposta Grande river, Argentina, acclimated, and then submitted to standard respirometry trials to determine metabolic rates. The standard metabolic rate was 99.23, the routine metabolic rate was 175.32 and the maximum metabolic rate 227.66 mg O2 kg–1 h–1, giving an aerobic scope of 128.43 mg O2 kg–1 h–1. The species tolerates an average of 6 minutes of exhaustive exercise, reaching speeds of 15.22 mm–1 while being chased. The metrics obtained in this study will comp