Power output and force-velocity relationship of red and white muscle fibres from the Pacific blue marlin (Makaira nigricans)

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Abstract
Single white fibres and small bundles (two to three) of red fibres were isolated from the trunk muscle of Pacific Blue Marlin (50-121 kg body weight). Fibres were chemically skinned with 1 % Brij. Maximum Ca2+-activated force production (Po) was 57 kN m−2 for red fibres and 176 kN m−2 for white fibres at 25 °C. The force-velocity (P-V) characteristics of these fibres were determined at 15 and 25 °C. Points below 0·6 Po on the P-V curve could be fitted to a linear form of Hill’s equation. The degree of curvature of the P-V curve was similar at 15 and 25 °C (Hill’s constant a/P0 = 0·24 and 0·12 for red and white fibres respectively). Extrapolated maximum contraction velocities (Vmax) were 2·5 muscle lengths s−1 (LOS−1) (red fibres) and 5·3 Los−1 (white fibres) at 25 °C. Q10(15-25°C) values for Vmax were 1·4 and 1·3 for red and white fibres respectively. Maximum power output had a similar low temperature dependence and amounted to 13Wkg−1 for red and 57Wkg’ for white muscle at 25 °C. The results are briefly discussed in relation to the locomotion and ecology of marlin.

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