Changes in the Oxygen Consumption of Prejuvenile Rockfish, Sebastes diploproa, Prior to Migration from the Surface to Deep Water

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Abstract
Prejuvenile Sebastes diploproa migrate from temperate surface waters of the California current region to cold, relatively deep waters inhabited by juveniles and adults. Based on results from laboratory-acclimated prejuveniles, metabolic rates were proportional to test temperature, acclimation temperature, and weight and inversely proportional to photoperiod. A multiple regression model was constructed using the factors above to predict respiratory rates in field-acclimatized prejuveniles collected in monthly samples. During the migratory season (May-September), respiratory rates measured at 10 C were much higher than values predicted by the model. The values between respiratory rates measured at 10 and 20 C were low during May-August, closer to the value predicted by the model for acclimated rather than acute temperature change. Deviations of respiratory rate from the model suggest that surface prejuveniles react to some aspect of the environment and develop metabolic rate compensation to the lower temperatures of the benthic habitat prior to migration.