Temperature and Water Velocity Effects on the Swimming Performances of Young-of-the-Year Striped Mullet (Mugil cephalus), Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus), and Pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides)

Swimming performances of young-of-the-year striped mullet (Mugil cephalus), spot (Leiostomus xanthurus), and pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides) were tested by examining the combination of physical endurance and swimming behavior to provide information on potential fish entrainment and impingement problems at industrial intakes. Tests were conducted at three temperatures (15–25 °C) and six water velocities (12–48 cm/s). Fish lengths ranged from 1.4 to 7.0 cm TL. Fish tested at higher temperatures exhibited increased time for steady swimming and for impingement avoidance. Temperature was also positively correlated with maximum swimming speeds and with the number of bursts performed during drift–burst activity (drifting with the current and returning upstream with a burst of swimming). Increased water velocities resulted in decreased times of steady swimming and impingement avoidance, and reduced drift–burst activity. Larger fish avoided impingement longer and had faster maximum swimming speeds; however, smaller fish showed stronger rheotaxis and swam steadily for longer periods at equal water velocities. Abnormally heavy mullet and spot had reduced capabilities for position maintenance (steady swimming) which may decrease their ability to avoid impingement. Key words: swimming speeds, temperature, water current, impingement, behavior, mullet, spot, pinfish