Data from: Vertical energy seascapes and diving behavior modulate metabolic scope in a pelagic predator

Pelagic fishes must obtain resources in prey-sparse habitats and may be
considered energy speculators with maximization, gambling high energy
costs (e.g. metabolism) for a high rate of return (prey capture). As such,
they may have to carefully use their energy seascape to obtain the
resources necessary for high growth rates. For diving animals, their
energy seascape will also have a vertical component in addition to a
horizontal one, which is rarely considered. Dolphinfish, Coryphaena
hippurus, embody the maximization strategy as they have high metabolic
rates and fast growth rates. We coupled biologging on wild individuals
with lab-based respirometry to estimate dolphinfish swimming metabolic
rates and vertical energy seascapes. Dolphinfish performed continuous
yo-yo dives with deeper dives at night but higher activity during the day.
Dive descents were ~27% less costly than the ascents. Fish modulated their
behavior so that metabolic costs during the descent/ascent phases of
deeper dives were less than those for shallow dives. While temperature is
likely the primary limit of dive depth, the vertical energy seascape may
be secondary and limit maximum dive depths. Studies of pelagic animal
energy seascapes should consider the vertical component which will help
determine their ability to access and utilize prey.