An automated ultrasonic telemetry system for the assessment of locomotor activity in free‐ranging rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri, Richardson

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Abstract
A new automated ultrasonic telemetry system for monitoring the swimming activity of adult rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri, at liberty in the wild is described. The transmitter detects bioelectric potentials (i.e. electromyograms) associated with the contraction of the epaxial myomeres during swimming. Transmitter output is relayed to the signal processing system via submerged hydrophones. The incoming signals represent averaged electromyograms which have been shown in earlier studies to correlate well with swimming activity and concurrent oxygen consumption of rainbow trout in the laboratory.Electromyogram records obtained from rainbow trout released into a small lake and monitored for up to 4 weeks, indicate a fairly regular pattern of elevated midday activity contrasting with periods of relative quiescence during the evening and morning. This midday peak in locomotory activity is the result of an increased feeding activity which is evidently a response to a concomitant increase in the activity of the fish's prey.