Aquaculture International最新文献

The current research aimed to determine the toxicological impacts of tannery effluent on Labeo rohita and to investigate the health promoting potential of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed extract (FSE) supplementation in sunflower meal-based diets. At the start of the trial, the 96-h LC₅₀ value (7.21%/L) of tannery effluent was determined following the probit analysis on L. rohita. During the feeding phase, tannery effluent toxicity and FSE supplemented in sunflower meal-based diets were administered simultaneously. Eight treatment groups were established; one was control negative (without toxicity and supplementation), the second was control positive (without supplementation and with toxicity) and the other treatment groups were individually supplied with different concentrations of FSE: T1-0.5%, T2-1%, T3-1.5%, T4-2%, T5-2.5%, and T6-3%. Fingerlings were fed twice daily at a rate of 5% body weight for the period of 90 days. The results revealed that 0.5–1.5% FSE substantially (p < 0.05) enhanced survival rates, growth indices, and body composition of L. rohita. In terms of hematological parameters, immune responses, and antioxidant activities, it was also observed that 0.5–1.5% inclusion of FSE under tannery effluent stress significantly (p < 0.05) improved these parameters. In contrast, 2–3% FSE levels negatively impacted all these parameters. Therefore, it can be concluded that 0.5–1.5% inclusion of FSE in fish diets is the best option to mitigate tannery effluent stress and improve fish health.

Graphical Abstract

Domain generalization poses significant challenges for target detection in aquaculture, as variations in illumination, water quality, and suspended particles induce substantial domain shifts, while the small size and strong camouflage of sea cucumbers further complicate detection. To address these challenges, we propose DG-YOLO, an innovative domain-generalized detection framework that achieves cross-domain robustness through restore-and-restyle data augmentation, frequency–spatial joint feature learning, and small-object perception enhancement. DG-YOLO first employs R²A-Net to generate physically constrained, style-diverse samples that simulate variations in illumination and water turbidity, thereby explicitly enriching domain diversity. The FreSpatial module disentangles structural information from domain-specific noise to extract robust, domain-invariant features. The SOEP (Small Object Enhancement Pyramid) module improves small-target perception while preserving fine-grained features, enhancing detection performance in complex backgrounds. Finally, the SlideLoss function adaptively reweights samples near decision boundaries, further strengthening the model’s discriminative capability. On the DLOU-SeaCucumber-DG dataset, DG-YOLO achieves up to 3.9% mAP improvement over existing domain generalization methods and YOLO variants, while maintaining a lightweight design. These results demonstrate both the methodological novelty and practical utility of DG-YOLO for intelligent and sustainable aquaculture management.

Due to the ban on antibiotics in aquaculture, there is a growing interest in using immunomodulatory agents to support the production and health of Tilapia. Hesperidin (HP), a bioactive flavonoid with multiple health benefits. This study analyzed the dose-dependent effect of dietary hesperidin on tilapia’s blood biomarkers, antioxidant status, growth performance, immune/inflammatory response, and resistance to Fusarium oxysporum (Faus-ox) infection. A total of 240 tilapia were split into four groups (60 fish/group) and fed diets containing 200, 100, 50, or 0 mg HP/kg diet for 56 days. Findings indicate that the addition of 200 or 100 mg/kg of HP significantly enhanced the growth indices compared with different groups (linear effect, P < 0.05). However, feed intake was the greatest in HP100 treatment compared to the other treatments (linear effect, P < 0.05). All HP-supplemented treatments showed enhanced protein and moisture content while simultaneously exhibiting a decrease in ash and lipid content (P < 0.05, linear effect). The addition of HP caused a significant, dose-dependent reduction in liver enzymes (except GGT) and creatinine levels. Furthermore, digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase and protease) were the highest in the HP200 treatment relative to the non-addition diet (P < 0.05, quadratic effect). The addition of HP improved antioxidant status, as evidenced by higher rates of GPx and TAC in HP100 and HP200 treatments compared to others (quadratic impact, P < 0.05). Furthermore, oxidative stress markers specifically PC (linear impact, P < 0.05) and MDA (quadratic impact, P < 0.001) were significantly reduced across all HP treatment groups. Dietary HP supplementation significantly enhanced humoral immunity, as shown by increased levels of IgM, lysozyme, and IgG activity (P < 0.05). Furthermore, serum TNF-α and TRL4 levels exhibited a quadratic response to the HP diets (P < 0.01). When HP was added to the diet, the fish’s resistance to Fusarium oxysporum was higher than when they were fed a control diet. Overall, the addition of hesperidin improved growth performance, immunity, and antioxidant status, while simultaneously reducing inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. It also enhanced resistance to Fusarium oxysporum infection, supporting the sustainability of tilapia fish farming.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary Sanghuangporus vaninii on growth performance and the retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptor (RLR) expression in Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). Juvenile turtles (2.91 ± 0.004 g) were divided into four groups and fed the diets without (Control) or with 10 (SH10), 30 (SH30), 50 (SH50) g/kg S. vaninii. The feeding lasted for 30 days. The results showed that no significant differences in growth parameters were observed among groups at day 10. However, by day 20, both SH30 and SH50 groups exhibited lower weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate (SGR) compared to the Control group (P < 0.05). By day 30, these growth parameters displayed a trend toward significant differences (0.05 < P < 0.1). Blood biochemical analysis demonstrated lower triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in all S. vaninii groups versus the Control group (P < 0.05), though glucose levels remained consistent. In the SH50 group, histological evaluation indicated fewer fat vacuoles and increased intercellular gaps in the liver, and shorter villi and enlarged lamina propria in the intestine. In the liver and intestine, RIG-I mRNA transcription levels were downregulated in all S. vaninii groups compared to the Control (P < 0.05). Similar trends were observed in spleen (SH30, SH50) and gonadal tissues (SH50). Western blotting and immunofluorescence confirmed reduced RIG-I protein expression in S. vaninii groups, with SH50 exhibiting the weakest signals. LGP2 expression was also lower in treated groups across multiple tissues (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary S. vaninii at 10 g/kg had no effect on growth, while dietary S. vaninii at 30 and 50 g/kg may temporarily inhibit growth. Moreover, dietary S. vaninii showed potential to suppress RLR signaling pathway during immune stress. Therefore, the optimal dietary inclusion level of S. vaninii for Chinese soft-shelled turtles should be determined by balancing growth performance with modulation of RLR signaling pathway.

Sustainable food production in sub-Saharan Africa demands innovative farming systems that make the most of limited water resources while improving productivity and farmer livelihoods. Integrated aquaculture-agriculture (IAA) presents a viable pathway, as it allows the recycling of nutrient-rich pond water for irrigating vegetables. This study evaluated the optimum Nile tilapia stocking density for increasing water use efficiency and profitability in fish-cabbage integrated farming systems in the northwest part of Ethiopia, to explore the interaction between fish density and water productivity. A total of 2700 mono-sex Nile tilapia fingerlings were stocked in lined earthen ponds at low (3 fish/m²), medium (5 fish/m²), and high (7 fish/m²) densities over 180 days, while head cabbage (Brassica oleracea) was irrigated using pond water under chemical fertilizers and fish pond nutrient reuse. Findings revealed significant (p < 0.05) improvements in fish growth, yield, and overall farm productivity across treatments, with high stocking density producing the best results. Compared to low density, high-density ponds yielded 192% more fish per hectare, 89% higher net income (USD/ha), and 67% greater water use efficiency (kg/m³). Similarly, cabbages irrigated with fish pond water outperformed conventional river-water irrigation, achieving 66% higher marketable yields, 66% higher water use efficiency, and up to 197% higher net income when combined with chemical fertilizers. Overall, integrated fish-cabbage farming proved highly resource-efficient, economically rewarding, and environmentally sustainable. Such integrated systems have strong policy and extension relevance in Ethiopia, promoting sustainable intensification, diversified incomes, and climate-resilient livelihoods for smallholder farmers.

Regenerative therapeutic effect of bioactive fish by-products (gelatin and fish mucin) and botanical (shea butter) on wound healing of Clarias gariepinus was studied. Thirty-five fish of 312 ± 14 g average weight were divided into seven groups, each comprising a fish and its four replicates: the gelatin group, mucin group, shea butter group, gelatin-shea butter homogenate group, mucin-shea butter homogenate group, positive control and negative control group Wound incision was made on each fish, then monitored for contraction rates, visual closure, and histological changes over 18 days. Result obtained were subjected to appropriate statistical analysis using SPSS 16.0. It was observed that penicillin ointment produced the fastest and most complete healing (> 60% closure), gelatin-based treatments (gelatin alone and gelatin + shea butter) closely matched penicillin’s performance, achieving near-comparable closure rates. Shea butter, mucin, and mucin–shea butter homogenate produced intermediate healing (50–55% closure) while the untreated group showed the slowest healing, underscoring the importance of active intervention. Histological analysis revealed penicillin-treated wounds with dense mononuclear infiltration, gelatin-treated wounds with moderate inflammation, shea butter-treated wounds with complete epidermal integrity, and mucin-treated wounds with minimal inflammation. The order of preference for the wound healing materials include: penicillin ointment > gelatin > gelatin-shea butter homogenate > shea butter > mucin-shea butter homogenate > mucin. Among the natural wound-healing materials, gelatin consistently produced the most favorable results, closely matching the healing efficiency of penicillin ointment. Therefore, gelatin-based treatments should be prioritized to replace synthetic wound-healing materials in aquaculture, offering a sustainable, eco-friendly, and effective solution for fish health management.

Aquatic organisms are always exposed to environmental stress agents that provoke oxidative stress and therefore need efficient antioxidant defense systems. In the current study, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs) were synthesized in a green process through the application of Jatropha plant extract, and their efficacy to mimic antioxidant enzymes and remove ammonia from water was evaluated. In vitro characterization confirmed effective synthesis of CeO₂ NPs and Fe₃O₄ NPs nanozymes with catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)–like activities and effective ammonia elimination by adsorption and oxidation. Subsequently, an in vivo test was conducted on common carp (Cyprinus carpio) to evaluate protective effects against potassium dichromate–induced oxidative stress. Fish were divided into six groups, including controls and those supplemented with CeO₂ NPs or Fe₃O₄ NPs at various concentrations. The SEM result indicated that CeO₂ NPs size is about 14 nm, while the Fe₃O₄ NPs size is about 20 nm. The result showed that Fe₃O₄ NPs were most effective at 5 mg L⁻¹, whereas CeO₂ NPs had peak CAT-mimicking activity at 25 mg L⁻¹. Fe₃O₄ NPs at 100 mg L⁻¹ reduced ammonia from water by 43% in ammonia removal tests. Moreover, both nanozymes inhibited oxidative damage in kidney tissues, and Fe₃O₄ NPs had superior protective effects on gill tissues compared to CeO₂ NPs. These findings reveal the potential application of green-synthesized CeO₂ NPs and Fe₃O₄ NPs as multifunctional nanozymes for enhancing antioxidant defenses and aquaculture system water quality.

The orchid dottyback Pseudochromis fridmani is considered one of the most attractive species in the marine ornamental fish trade because of its bright colour, resilience, and relatively small size. Orchid dottyback aquaculture faces bottlenecks related to broodstock management and spawning conditioning, which make large-scale production challenging but can be addressed through targeted improvements. The present study addresses the knowledge gaps with regard to the management of P. fridmani under artificial conditions, describing the pair formation process with the associated behaviours, and the histological maturation process of gonads. The effects of low (25 °C) and high (28 °C) temperature on spawning activity and filial cannibalism were studied by monitoring six pairs for a period of 6 months. Water temperature strongly influenced broodstock spawning activity and filial cannibalism. The spawning rate increased significantly at 28 °C, but concurrent filial cannibalism also increased, leading to spawn losses. Notably, the total monthly number of viable spawns that successfully developed until hatching did not differ significantly between the 28 and 25 °C treatments. Examination of the size and shape of specimens sexed by histology (n = 6) suggested that these criteria may allow rapid visual sex identification in this species. Males tended to be longer and exhibited a more slender body shape, while females were comparatively shorter and showed a rounder body shape with a more pronounced belly. However, the accuracy of this method needs to be evaluated using larger sample sizes. In summary, maintaining the broodstock temperature around 25 °C facilitates the management of spawns and improves the performance of this highly demanded species.

This study employed a multi-omics approach—integrating transcriptomics, metabolomics, and gut microbiota analysis—to investigate the effects of dietary sodium butyrate (SB; 0, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4%) on large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) under heat stress. SB supplementation significantly enhanced growth performance, with the 0.2% and 0.4% groups achieving weight gains of 486.5 ± 45.1% and 482.5 ± 50.4%, respectively, markedly higher than the 266.3 ± 33.5% in the control group. Survival rates were also significantly improved. Multi-omics analysis revealed that SB mediates its benefits through a coordinated “gut microbiota–gut–liver” axis: it remodeled the gut microbiota by increasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio; activated hepatic PPAR-α/γ signaling pathways to upregulate fatty acid β-oxidation genes (acadvl, cpt1b, acadm) while suppressing synthesis genes (acsl4, scd); and induced a distinct lipid allocation pattern. This was evidenced by enriched α-linolenic acid metabolites in the intestine and depleted long-chain PUFAs (e.g., EPA, ARA) in the liver, indicating enhanced intestinal absorption and hepatic consumption, thereby reducing lipid storage. Our findings demonstrate that dietary sodium butyrate simultaneously improves growth, thermal resilience, and metabolic health in large yellow croaker, offering a viable precision nutrition strategy to enhance aquaculture sustainability in the face of global warming.