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Boxfishes as unusually well-controlled autonomous underwater vehicles
M S Gordon1, J R Hove, P W Webb
1Department of Organismic Biology, Ecology, and Evolution, University of California, Box 951606, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1606, USA. msgordon@ucla.edu
Physiological and Biochemical Zoology : PBZ
|December 21, 2000
Summary
Boxfishes exhibit sophisticated median and paired fin locomotion (MPF locomotion), demonstrating remarkable strength, speed, and endurance. Their unique swimming gaits and dynamic control allow efficient movement despite high drag.
Area of Science:
- Ichthyology
- Biomechanics
- Hydrodynamics
Background:
- Boxfishes (family Ostraciidae) are tropical marine bony fishes characterized by a rigid, bony test.
- Their locomotion primarily relies on median and paired fins (MPF locomotion) due to their unique body structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the swimming performance, biomechanics, and energetics of boxfishes.
- To understand the control, stability, and efficiency of MPF locomotion in boxfishes.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative studies on swimming performance, biomechanics, and energetics in a model boxfish species.
- Analysis based on a dynamic model of boxfish swimming.
Main Results:
- Boxfishes are strong, fast swimmers with high endurance.
- They utilize three distinct gaits for swimming at different speeds.
- Despite high parasite drag, their energetic cost of transport is comparable to streamlined fishes using body and caudal fin (BCF) swimming.
Conclusions:
- Boxfish swimming is a sophisticated example of evolved autonomous underwater vehicles.
- Their dynamic control, stability, and efficiency are explained by gait changes and fin-generated thrust interactions.
