Temperature-dependent gastric evacuation rate of the Japanese delicate loach Niwaella delicata (Cobitidae)

The gastric evacuation rate (GER) of the delicate loach Niwaella delicata was estimated experimentally under four temperature conditions (10, 15, 20, and 25 A degrees C). The GER was relatively high under the ae20 A degrees C condition and was nearly zero under the ae15 A degrees C condition. The relationship between GER and water temperature was estimated following the method of Elliot (1972) as follows: GER = exp (0.436 x temperature - 10.59). This physical characteristic might affect the seasonal activity of this species.