A new conceptual framework for the musculoskeletal biomechanics and physiology of ray-finned fishes

Camp, Ariel L ORCID: 0000-0002-3355-4312 and Brainerd, Elizabeth L (2022) A new conceptual framework for the musculoskeletal biomechanics and physiology of ray-finned fishes. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY, 225 (Suppl_). jeb243376-.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1242/jeb.243376

Abstract

Suction feeding in ray-finned fishes requires substantial muscle power for fast and forceful prey capture. The axial musculature located immediately behind the head has been long known to contribute some power for suction feeding, but recent XROMM and fluoromicrometry studies found nearly all the axial musculature (over 80%) provides effectively all (90-99%) of the power for high-performance suction feeding. The dominance of axial power suggests a new framework for studying the musculoskeletal biomechanics of fishes: the form and function of axial muscles and bones should be analysed for power production in feeding (or at least as a compromise between swimming and feeding), and cranial muscles and bones should be analysed for their role in transmitting axial power and coordinating buccal expansion. This new framework is already yielding novel insights, as demonstrated in four species for which suction power has now been measured. Interspecific comparisons suggest high suction power can be achieved in different ways: increasing the magnitude of suction pressure or the rate of buccal volume change, or both (as observed in the most powerful of these species). Our framework suggests that mechanical and evolutionary interactions between the head and the body, and between the swimming and feeding roles of axial structures, may be fruitful areas for continued study.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Muscle power, Suction feeding, Swimming, Locomotion, Performance
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	08 Mar 2022 17:01
Last Modified:	18 Jan 2023 21:11
DOI:	10.1242/jeb.243376
Open Access URL:	https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/225/Su...
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3150369