Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss consume less energy when swimming near obstructions

The effect of obstructions in steady flow on swimming by rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss was examined in a respirometry swim tunnel to test the prediction that fish interacting with obstructions require less energy to hold station. When an obstruction was present, O. mykiss altered the kinematics of swimming and the rate of oxygen consumption was significantly reduced. The fish employed both entrainment and Karman gait swimming strategies, permitting greater locomotor efficiency.