Physiological effects of swim bladder overexpansion and catastrophic decompression on red snapper

摘要: Abstract The commercial and recreational harvests of red snapper Lutjanus campechanus in the Gulf Mexico have declined over past five decades, prompting strict regulations. Release mortality associated with catastrophic decompression (CD) is a possible cause for continuing decline, although to date no physiological data exist support this assumption. Using flow-through high-pressure chamber, subadult were acclimated 101.2, 405.3, 608.0, 1,215.9 kPa, simulating depths typical their distribution (as deep as 200 m), then decompressed at rate 10.1 kPa/s. Lateral dorsal X-ray imaging combination necropsy showed that swim bladders expanded predictable manner. Ventral expansion into caudal body cavity space occurred lower pressures, whereas cranial portion highest pressure. Expansion patterns resulted 70 different overexpansion injuries, most severe being vital organs. Our r...