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A. Machias (1) and N. Tsimenides (1)(2)
(1) Institute of Marine Biology of Crete, P.O. Box 2214, 71003
Iraklion, Crete, Greece.
(2) University of Crete, Department of Biology, P.O. Box 1470, 71110
Iraklion, Crete, Greece.
Abstract
Variations in the absolute and relative swim bladder volume of
sardine (Sardina pilchardus W.), were examined in relation to fish
length, gonads and stomach volume, and lipid content. Fifty specimens
were frozen in liquid nitrogen and sliced with a cryo-microtome. From
the slices, volume estimates of the organs were obtained through
computer reconstruction. Variations in absolute and relative swim
bladder volume in relation to fish length and the aforementioned
organs' volume and lipid contents were estimated by means of multiple
regression analysis. The relative importance of these variables in
the calculations of the swim bladder volume for different
physiological conditions of the fish was also assessed. The results
revealed that the volume can be estimated from two distinct models:
the first for the reproductive and the second for the
non-reproductive period. The non-reproductive period model is in
agreement with the well-known positive correlation of target strength
with fish log length. However, during the reproductive period the
relative size of gonads and relative lipid content gradually become
more important than length.
Marine Biology (1995) 123: 859-867.
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