External factors shape the way marine organisms adapt and live. After studying fish development and behaviour under different conditions in aquatic environments, scientists explain that, for fish, environment surroundings are no less important than genetics.

Recent research explores how genetics and environment interact in aquaculture, suggesting that this could explain why fish grow at different rates and behave differently. One study (see reference 1 below) looked specifically at European sea bass to see how different feeding patterns affect the growth of fish. Researchers studied two different groups of fish: the first one was fed every day until the fish were full, and the second group was intermittently fed for 40 days (8 days feeding to satiation–2 days starvation). The difference was obvious in two ways: the fish grew differently, and their genes were also expressed in different ways. More specifically, fast-growing fish showed faster energy metabolism and were able to process fat and synthesize cholesterol faster. Understanding these differences and learning to simulate optimal growth and behaviour could offer important insights for aquaculture breeders.

In another study (see reference 2 below), researchers studied Hox genes, which are crucial to the early development of fish. They found that even small genetic variations in these genes can significantly change egg quality and survival rates. In practice, understanding the impact of variations could help fish farmers to have better control of their production and boost fish survival rates in the very first stages of their life.

Collectively, studies that focus on the interaction of fish genetics and environment offer important insights for fish farmers, who are motivated to create the optimal conditions. This progression also focuses on optimising resources and identifying wasteful practices, which is a step towards a greener, more sustainable future for aquaculture and – in the bigger picture – for global food security.

References:

  • Ntantali, O., Malandrakis, E.E., Abbink, W., Bastiaansen, J., et al., Effects of Short-Term Intermittent Fasting on Growth Performance, Fatty Acids Profile, Glycolysis and Cholesterol Synthesis Gene Expression in European Seabass Dicentrarchus labrax. Fishes 2023, 8, 582.
  • Kavouras, M., Malandrakis, E.E., Danis, T., Blom, E., et al., Hox Genes Polymorphism Depicts Developmental Disruption of Common Sole Eggs. Open Life Sci 2019, 14, 549–563.