Effects of external and surgically implanted dummy radio transmitters on mortality, swimming performance and physiological status of juvenile masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou

The effects of external and surgically implanted radio transmitters on juvenile masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou were examined. External attachment of transmitters significantly decreased the survival of fish and caused a decreased critical swimming speed compared with surgical implantation. Although plasma cortisol, plasma glucose and haematocrit values did not differ significantly among groups, it appeared that the most suitable transmitter attachment method for juvenile O. masou may be surgical implantation.