the white fibres get their energy by converting the carbohydrate glycogen to lactate (lactic acid). this is anaerobic metabolism, that is, it does not need oxygen. they are used for fast, short bursts. once the lactic acid builds up in the muscles, they stop working, and it takes time for the lactate to be removed, and the glycogen replaced. using their white fibres, fish can reach speeds of 10 lengths per second for short bursts.