Reaction of common carp (Cyprinus carpio, L.) to oxygen deficiency in winter as an example for the suitability of radio telemetry for monitoring the reaction of fish to stress factors in pond aquaculture

The reaction of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) in an ice- and snow-covered pond to depletion of dissolved oxygen (DO) in winter was recorded using radio telemetry. The carp moved from the deeper parts of the pond to the shallow areas near the tributary in search of better oxygenated water. Evidence was found that feeding occurred until December but ceased with the oxygen crisis. After the carp farmer started aeration to improve the oxygen supply, carp returned towards the deeper parts of the pond. The gross activity was significantly correlated with DO (P<0.001) and was not influenced by water temperature (P>0.05). The clear documentation of the carp's reaction to oxygen depletion suggests, that radio telemetry may be useful for investigating the effects of various stress factors on fish in pond aquaculture.