Physiology of Finfish and Shellfish (2+1)

4.4.9. Energy expenditure in stressed fish

Fish exposed to stress have high oxygen consumption, carbon-di-oxide output and respiratory quotient. Usually the ammonia quotient AQ. (Ratio of NH₃ to O₂ consumed) and Nitrogen quotient (Ratio of nitrogen excreted to oxygen consumed) increase indicating the increase involvement of protein metabolism. The glycogen level in muscles and liver of fish exposed to stress decreases but the blood shows increasing trend. Suggesting the high utilization of glycogen both aerobically and anaerolbically for deriving the energy to meet the demand. Also lactate in muscle and liver may increase. The depletion of oxygen in muscle tissues of the stressed fish suggest the utilization of glycogen for deriving energy to cope up with the stress imposed.