The growth rate and food conversion efficiency of young coho and sockeye salmon on a full ration were determined in freshwater at oxygen concentrations ranging from 2 to 15 mg/L (15 °C). The data, and a reanalysis of selected published records for bass, carp, and coho, were examined critically in relation to the Limiting Factor hypothesis. It was concluded for all species that above a critical level ranging from 4.0 to 4.5 mg O2/L, growth and conversion efficiency were not limited when tested for relatively short periods (6–8 wk) under the pristine conditions of laboratory tanks. A slight but significant trend to exhibit higher hematocrits at lower oxygen levels revealed the possible presence of an adaptive mechanism for improved respiratory capacity at subcritical oxygen concentrations.
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Brett et al. (1981) studied this question.