Ecology of the hagfish, Myxine glutinosa L. in the Gulf of Maine I. Metabolic rates and energetics

摘要: Abstract The hagfishes, as an extant group, represent the most primitive living craniates. Although of interest to evolutionary biologists, little is known about physiological ecology hagfish, despite occurrence large, commercially exploited populations around world. In Gulf Maine, Atlantic Myxine glutinosa L., a nuisance groundfishing industry, but may play important role in soft-bottom habitats. recent exploitation these hagfish for “eelskin” fishery has resulted renewed regarding their and physiology. Direct measurement oxygen consumption rates M. with versus without gill pouch perfusion indicate that majority uptake at rest occurs cutaneously. measured imply extremely low energetic demands. Hagfish adaptations hypoxic environments, which include cutaneous respiration, allow them occupy burrows where concentrations are low. These would also permit long intervals between periods opportunistic feeding. demands individual low, impact large on species could be significant.