ABSTRACT
Fast-start performance of rainbow trout (mass 0.187±0.022kg; mean±2s.E., N=10) was measured in water of various depths. Relative water depth was defined as z/B, where z is the water depth measured from the air/water surface to the longitudinal midline of the body and B is the span of the caudal fin, 0.062±0.004m. Relative water depths (at absolute depths) tested were; 0.31 (at 0.05m), 1.11 (at 0.1m), 1.92 (at 0.15m), 2.73 (at 0.2m) and 7.56 (at 0.5m). Performance was defined in terms of the motion of the centre of mass as measured by the turning radius and the cumulative distance travelled in a given elapsed time. Turning radius was not affected by water depth and averaged 0.018±0.003m. Distance travelled was a positive function of water depth, although paired r-tests showed no significant effect of depth at 0.15 and 0.2 m after about 70 ms. Energy dispersion due to the formation of surface waves increased with decreasing relative water depth. The largest energy dispersion in wave formation at a relative water depth of 0.31 averaged about 70 % of the useful mechanical work performed in deep water. Energy dispersion in wave generation was negligible for relative water depths larger than approximately 3. Energy dispersion is similar to that for rigid streamlined bodies moving at constant speed.
