Fish use more energy to stay still than previously thought

Press/Media: Media contribution

Description

In a comparative study of 13 near neutrally buoyant species, we found that metabolic rates during hovering were almost twice as high as during rest (when the fish supports its weight with the bottom of the tank). In some cases, they were even greater. These findings challenge the long standing assumption that fish can remain motionless in the water column at little physiological cost.

Period19 Feb 2026

Media contributions

1

Media contributions

  • TitleFish use more energy to stay still than previously thought
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletThe Conversation
    Media typeWeb
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
    Date19 Feb 2026
    DescriptionIn a comparative study of 13 near neutrally buoyant species, we found that metabolic rates during hovering were almost twice as high as during rest (when the fish supports its weight with the bottom of the tank). In some cases, they were even greater. These findings challenge the long standing assumption that fish can remain motionless in the water column at little physiological cost.
    URLhttps://doi.org/10.64628/AB.uf4hkrehp
    PersonsOtar Akanyeti, Valentina Di Santo
View all 1
View less

Keywords

  • Fish
  • instability
  • hovering
  • energy
  • buoyancy

Related content