Physiology of Finfish and Shellfish (2+1)

3.2.16. Dark muscle

• Preserve of layers of dark muscle in regions carry on sustained activity.
• Salmonids and tunas have layer of dark muscle under the shell.
• In perch, the main propulsion is through pectoral fin. The dark muscle relates to the pectoral rather than caudal fin.
• Sea horses and pipe fish propel them primarily with pectoral fin – dark muscle associated with it.
• Extensive capillary bules associated with dark muscle.
• Blood supply to dark muscle becerues.
• More blood supply to white muscle becerues less.
• Metabolism of dark muscle is as aerobic – metabolism of white muscle is aerobic.