Inferring the metabolic rate of zebrafish in still water from mouth opening and pectoral‐fin beating

Abstract The inference of metabolic rate from behavioural measurements is an open question in fish biology. Here, we put forward a predictive model of zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) metabolic rate in still water from mouth opening and pectoral‐fin beating. Our analysis revisits experimental results published in this journal, reprocessed to include information about the pectoral‐fin beating. Using Cobb–Douglas function, we identify a positive (negative) correlation between metabolic rate and mouth opening amplitude (pectoral‐fin amplitude), pointing at the interplay between buccal pumping and pectoral‐fin stabilization.