Does temperature preference relate to the anaerobic capacity of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) with different haemoglobin phenotype?

Abstract

The effect of Hb-I* phenotype on white muscle lactate dehydrogenease (LDH, E. C. 1.1.1.27) activity and buffering capacity was studied in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), acclimated and measured at temperatures near their behavioral temperature preference. It was hypothesized that these conditions would optimize biochemical processes but no difference was found in LDH activity between the Hb-I* phenotype after 56 d of acclimation to 6 and 14°C. However, LDH activity was both mass- and temperature-dependent; mean activity was 162.2±5.0 and 275.9±6.4 IU g−1 wet mass (mean±SEM) at 6 and 14°C respectively and larger fish had the highest rate of enzyme activity. White muscle buffer capacity was unaffected by Hb-I* phenotype but higher in cod held at 14°C.