STANDARD METABOLISM IN PISCES AND CYCLOST OMATA - EVOLUTIONARY AND ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS

The standard metabolism was compared in Pisces and Cyclostomata. The a llometric relationships between respiration and body weight (constants a and b) differ between these groups. The allometric equation of the standard metabolism is and in fish and cyclostomes, respectively. Thes e differences are due to the specific structure of gills in these anim al groups and to ecological conditions. The highest standard metabolic rate was observed in Clupeiformes. Cryophile fish (by the example of Nototheniidae, Perciformes) have higher standard metabolic rate than o ther representatives of this order. Specific structure and functioning of gills in cyclostomes and fish are discussed.