The biology of a landlocked form of the normally catadromous salmoniform fish Galaxias maculatus (Jenyns). IV. Nutritional cycle

Abstract

The nutritional cycle of a landlocked form of the normally catadromous streamdwelling fish Galaxias maculatus inhabiting Lake Modewarre (south-western Victoria) was studied by following seasonal fluctuations in its general body condition, liver condition, visceral fat stores, and intensity of feeding. The interrelations of these parameters of nutritional condition and the gonadal cycle (which was described in a previous paper in the same series) are then considered. The conclusion is drawn that the landlocked jollytail, like some of the related salmonid fishes, belongs to the nutritional category of "fat fishes", in which lipid reserves are mobilized from fat stores other than the liver for development of the gametes and the reproductive effort.