The functional roles of different muscle fibre types identified in the myotomes of marine teleosts: a behavioural, anatomical and histochemical study

The histochemical profiles of the major myotomal muscle fibre types and the proportion of red muscle in the myotome of a number of teleost types has been investigated in relation to their observed swimming behaviour. A direct relationship exists between the proportion of red muscle present and the ability to sustain swimming. The red muscle fibres were found to be metabolically adapted for this role, whilst the white muscle fibres were better adapted for more vigorous activity. The possible roles of the pink and other fibre types are discussed. The histochemical investigation revealed no differences between the teleost types except that the deep white muscle of a pelagic species may have a higher aerobic capacity than that of other species.