SPONTANEOUS SWIMMING ACTIVITY OF ATLANTIC COD GADUS MORHUA EXPOSED TO GRADED HYPOXIA AT THREE TEMPERATURES

The spontaneous swimming activity of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua was investigated at graded levels of hypoxia at three temperatures (5, 10 and 15 °C) by using a computerized system monitoring animal activity. The fish were tested individually, and swimming distance was used as a measure of activity. No significant effect of temperature on swimming distance in normoxic water was found. At all temperatures, activity level decreased with decreasing oxygen saturation. Swimming behaviour at normoxia and 50 % and 25 % oxygen saturation is described. No apparent avoidance of hypoxic water was found based on the distribution of swimming speeds and turning angles. The possible benefits of a decreased activity level in a hypoxic environment are discussed.