Éditeur(s) : Springer
Résumé : The French Atlantic coast contains large highly productive intertidal mudflats that are colonised by juveniles of numerous flatfish species, including the common sole (Solea solea, L.). These ecosystems are also heavily exploited by the shellfish farming industry. Intensive bivalve culture is associated with substantial biodeposition (1-6 t-dw ha(-1) day(-1)), which directly or indirectly contributes to increase exopolysaccharide (EPS) concentrations at the interface between water column and seabed. EPS are long-chain molecules organised into colloids, which influence rheological properties of water, particularly viscosity. Increased water viscosity had consequences for ventilatory activity of juvenile flatfish, whereby the minimal pressure required to ventilate the medium increases directly with EPS concentration. Moreover, the critical EPS concentration ([EPS](crit)) at which water was no longer able to flow through the branchial basket ranged from almost nil to over 30 mg l(-1), depending on species and size. [EPS](crit) was lower in small individuals and individuals from species with high metabolic rates (turbot and plaice). These differences may depend upon gill and bucco-branchial cavity morphometrics. The ventilatory workload of sole increased with viscosity to a maximum at 2 mg EPS l(-1). Viscosity might, therefore, be a limiting factor for flatfish post larvae, which colonise the intertidal mudflats, depending upon their size and species. EPS concentrations in the field can reach 15 mg l(-1). A selective effect is conceivable but remains to be estimated in the field.
Marine Biology (0025-3162) (Springer), 2007-09 , Vol. 152 , N. 4 , P. 803-814

Droits : 2007 Springer
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2007/publication-2801.pdf
DOI:10.1007/s00227-007-0731-z
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/2801/

Éditeur(s) : University of Chicago Press
Résumé : In hypoxia, gray mullet surface to ventilate well-oxygenated water in contact with air, an adaptive response known as aquatic surface respiration (ASR). Reflex control of ASR and its behavioral modulation by perceived threat of aerial predation and turbid water were studied on mullet in a partly sheltered aquarium with free surface access. Injections of sodium cyanide (NaCN) into either the bloodstream ( internal) or ventilatory water stream ( external) revealed that ASR, hypoxic bradycardia, and branchial hyperventilation were stimulated by chemoreceptors sensitive to both systemic and water O-2 levels. Sight of a model avian predator elicited bradycardia and hypoventilation, a fear response that inhibited reflex hyperventilation following external NaCN. The time lag to initiation of ASR following NaCN increased, but response intensity ( number of events, time at the surface) was unchanged. Mullet, however, modified their behavior to surface under shelter or near the aquarium edges. Turbid water abolished the fear response and effects of the predator on gill ventilation and timing of ASR following external NaCN, presumably because of reduced visibility. However, in turbidity, mullet consistently performed ASR under shelter or near the aquarium edges. These adaptive modulations of ASR behavior would allow mullet to retain advantages of the chemoreflex when threatened by avian predators or when unable to perceive potential threats in turbidity.
Physiological and Biochemical Zoology (1522-2152) (University of Chicago Press), 2005-09 , Vol. 78 , N. 5 , P. 744-755

Droits : 2005, The University of Chicago
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2005/publication-637.pdf
DOI:10.1086/432143
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/637/