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Redefining Aquaculture Safety with Artificial Intelligence: Design Innovations, Trends, and Future Perspectives
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Exploring Nationwide Oyster Aquaculture Data: An Index to Compare Regulatory, Production, and Economic Attributes of Oyster Aquaculture Among U.S. States and Regions
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Human Trophic Level and Trade Openness: Insights from Global Seafood Consumption Patterns
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Evidence for a Greater Pleistocene Distribution for the Copper Redhorse in North America (Catostomidae: Moxostoma hubbsi)
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Fungal Protein from Non-Food Bioresources in Diets for Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Journal Description
Fishes
Fishes
is an international, peer-reviewed, scientific, open access journal published monthly online by MDPI. It covers fishes and aquatic animals research. The Iberian Society of Ichthyology (SIBIC) and the Brazilian Society of Aquaculture and Aquatic Biology (Aquabio) are affiliated with Fishes and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubAg, FSTA, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Marine and Freshwater Biology)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 17.4 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Fishes.
- Companion Journal: Aquaculture Journal
Impact Factor:
2.1 (2023);
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.4 (2023)
Latest Articles
Assessment Method for Feeding Intensity of Fish Schools Using MobileViT-CoordAtt
Fishes 2025, 10(6), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10060253 - 28 May 2025
Abstract
Assessment of fish feeding intensity is crucial for achieving precise feeding and for enhancing aquaculture efficiency. However, complex backgrounds in real-world aquaculture scenarios—such as water surface reflections, wave disturbances, and the stochastic movement of fish schools—pose significant challenges to the precise extraction of
[...] Read more.
Assessment of fish feeding intensity is crucial for achieving precise feeding and for enhancing aquaculture efficiency. However, complex backgrounds in real-world aquaculture scenarios—such as water surface reflections, wave disturbances, and the stochastic movement of fish schools—pose significant challenges to the precise extraction of feeding-related features. To address this issue, this study proposes a fish feeding intensity assessment method based on MobileViT-CoordAtt. The method employs a lightweight MobileViT backbone network, integrated with a Coordinate Attention (CoordAtt) mechanism and a multi-scale feature fusion strategy. Specifically, the CoordAtt module enhances the model’s spatial perception by encoding spatial coordinate information, enabling precise capture of the spatial distribution characteristics of fish schools. The multi-scale feature fusion strategy adopts a three-level feature integration approach (input features, local features, and global features) to further strengthen the model’s representational capacity, ensuring robust extraction of key feeding-related features across diverse scales and hierarchical levels. Experimental results demonstrate that the MobileViT-CoordAtt model, trained with transfer learning, achieves an accuracy of 97.18% on the test set, with a compact parameter size of 4.09 MB. These findings indicate that the proposed method can effectively evaluate fish feeding intensity in practical aquaculture environments, providing critical support for formulating dynamic feeding strategies.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development and Innovations of Smart Aquaculture Technologies)
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Climate Change and Freshwater Aquaculture: A Modified Slack-Based Measure DEA Approach
by
Hao Jiang, Yingli Zhang, Shunxiang Yang and Lu Zhai
Fishes 2025, 10(6), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10060252 - 28 May 2025
Abstract
As global climate change intensifies and resources become increasingly scarce, China’s sustainable development of freshwater aquaculture faces unprecedented challenges. This study utilizes panel data from 31 provincial-level regions in mainland China (2000–2023) and innovatively constructs a multi-stage sequential modified slack-based measure data envelopment
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As global climate change intensifies and resources become increasingly scarce, China’s sustainable development of freshwater aquaculture faces unprecedented challenges. This study utilizes panel data from 31 provincial-level regions in mainland China (2000–2023) and innovatively constructs a multi-stage sequential modified slack-based measure data envelopment analysis (MSBM-DEA) model. By endogenizing extreme climate factors within the aquaculture production efficiency framework, this study reveals the dynamic impact of climate change on freshwater aquaculture total factor productivity (TFP). The finding indicates that extreme climate events reduce freshwater aquaculture TFP by 1.66% and technical advancement by 18.9%. The impact varies regionally, with eastern provinces experiencing a maximum TFP decline of 3.1%, while western provinces face a significant drop of 5.2%. The eastern region, supported by technology and policy, shows a relatively strong recovery capacity, whereas the western region suffers more due to resource scarcity and technical lag. To tackle these challenges, this study recommends establishing a climate-adaptive TFP monitoring framework and promoting a dual-driven model of technical innovation and efficiency enhancement to bolster fisheries’ climate resilience. This research provides valuable decision making support for climate adaptation strategies in China’s freshwater aquaculture and serves as empirical evidence and theoretical guidance for other climate-vulnerable regions globally.
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(This article belongs to the Section Environment and Climate Change)
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Prospects for the Application of Probiotics to Increase the Efficiency of Integrated Cultivation of Aquatic Animals and Plants in Aquaponic Systems
by
Dmitry Rudoy, Anastasiya Olshevskaya, Victoria Shevchenko, Evgeniya Prazdnova, Mary Odabashyan and Svetlana Teplyakova
Fishes 2025, 10(6), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10060251 - 26 May 2025
Abstract
Aquaponics is an integrated method of aquatic animal and plant cultivation in a closed recycling system where the wastewater from aquatic animals is purified by microbes, which transform pollutants into nutrients for plants at the end of the chain. This technology allows to
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Aquaponics is an integrated method of aquatic animal and plant cultivation in a closed recycling system where the wastewater from aquatic animals is purified by microbes, which transform pollutants into nutrients for plants at the end of the chain. This technology allows to the efficiency of the area to be increased by a combination of cultivated plants and aquatic animals. Aquaponics produces environmentally friendly products by reducing fertilizer use and wastewater volume, increasing the extent of reuse by up to >90%. A promising way to increase efficiency in aquaponics is to use bacterial preparations (probiotics). This will allow control of the development of pathogens in the growing system, improving water quality and the growth rate of aquatic organisms. This paper overviews the experience of using probiotic preparations in aquaponic systems. It is shown that probiotics are able to increase the survival rate of aquatic organisms, improve the hydrochemical regime in recirculating aquaculture systems, and mitigate the risk of pathogenic contamination. There are a number of problems in aquaponics that prevent it from becoming more widespread and achieving maximum productivity, including problems with optimal pH and temperature, problems with nutrient and oxygen depletion, as well as diseases caused by phytopathogens and fish pathogens. The probiotics used do not take into account the biological needs of all components of the aquaponic system. The development of probiotic preparations from soil bacteria of the genus Bacillus will allow us to create a new class of probiotics specifically for aquaponics. Such preparations will work in a wide pH range, which will allow us to achieve maximum productivity for all components of aquaponics: animals, plants and bacteria.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pivotal Roles of Feed Additives for Fish)
Open AccessArticle
The Effects of Water Flow on the Swimming Behavior of the Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea) in a Large Sea Cage
by
Xiaorun Zhang, Yong Tang, Xinyi Hu, Chonghuan Liu, Yonghu Liu, Xin Zhuang, Guang Xu and Jing Liu
Fishes 2025, 10(6), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10060250 - 26 May 2025
Abstract
This study aims to clarify the influence of water flow on the behavior of the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). Although L. crocea is a key species in marine cage aquaculture, and the industry is increasingly adopting large-scale sea cages, the
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This study aims to clarify the influence of water flow on the behavior of the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). Although L. crocea is a key species in marine cage aquaculture, and the industry is increasingly adopting large-scale sea cages, the behavioral adaptations of this species under such conditions remain insufficiently characterized. To solve this problem, the study implemented an ultrasonic biotelemetry system to monitor the in situ swimming behavior of L. crocea across varying current velocities and tidal phases. The results indicated that the tagged fish predominantly occupied water depths of 1 to 2.6 m, with no observable circular swimming behavior along the cage periphery. Additionally, the spatial distribution of L. crocea within the large-scale cage seemed to correlate with the direction of the current. Furthermore, both the frequency of appearance and swimming speed of L. crocea were higher in the center of the cage compared to the peripheral regions during flood and ebb tides, whereas the opposite trend was observed during slack water. This study provides novel insights into the behavioral ecology of L. crocea in large-scale aquaculture systems.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fishery Facilities, Equipment, and Information Technology)
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Stable Isotope Analysis of Two Filter-Feeding Sharks in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean
by
Chi-Ju Yu, Shoou-Jeng Joung, Hua-Hsun Hsu, Kwang-Ming Liu and Atsuko Yamaguchi
Fishes 2025, 10(6), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10060249 - 26 May 2025
Abstract
Understanding the feeding ecology and habitat use of vulnerable shark species is crucial for effective conservation. This study focuses on two large filter-feeding sharks, the megamouth shark (Megachasma pelagios) and whale shark (Rhincodon typus), in Northwestern Pacific waters. Stable
[...] Read more.
Understanding the feeding ecology and habitat use of vulnerable shark species is crucial for effective conservation. This study focuses on two large filter-feeding sharks, the megamouth shark (Megachasma pelagios) and whale shark (Rhincodon typus), in Northwestern Pacific waters. Stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) was conducted on white muscle samples (n = 91) of M. pelagios and fin clips (n = 90) of R. typus, collected via large-mesh drift nets and set nets in Taiwanese waters. In this study, we investigated feeding strategies, ontogenetic dietary shifts, habitat use, and isotopic niche variation in both species. For R. typus, the observed positive correlation between δ13C and δ15N supports the previously proposed active suction filter feeding, as well as implying both a diet with an increasing proportion of higher trophic level prey and an ontogenetic shift. In contrast, M. pelagios displayed a negative correlation, consistent with a previous study associating such patterns with primary or secondary consumers, further aligning with its reported planktonic prey dominance. Both species had increasing δ13C with growth, signifying a shift to nutrient-rich habitats. Only R. typus exhibited ontogenetic diet changes (δ15N). SIBER (Stable Isotope Bayesian Ellipses in R) analysis revealed distinct feeding strategies and habitat use between the two species, potential sexual segregation, and wider isotopic niche widths for males in both species. The findings underscore the importance of considering species-specific behaviors and sex-based differences in conservation strategies.
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(This article belongs to the Section Biology and Ecology)
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Toxicity and Safety Assessment of Key Pesticides Used in Rice Fields on Rice Flower Carp (Procypris merus)
by
Qianxue Shao, Yongming Ruan, Ru Liang, Ruixin Jin, Zhixi Jin, Lin Xie, Yongqing Chi, Jiaojiao Xia and Pingyang Zhu
Fishes 2025, 10(6), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10060248 - 25 May 2025
Abstract
Integrated rice–fish farming, crucial for sustainable agriculture, relies on the judicious use of pesticide. This study evaluates the toxicity of six common rice-field pesticides on Procypris merus (rice flower carp), a key species in these systems. We conducted acute and chronic toxicity tests,
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Integrated rice–fish farming, crucial for sustainable agriculture, relies on the judicious use of pesticide. This study evaluates the toxicity of six common rice-field pesticides on Procypris merus (rice flower carp), a key species in these systems. We conducted acute and chronic toxicity tests, assessing survival, growth, oxidative stress (SOD, CAT, MDA, 8-OHdG), and neurotoxicity (AChE). Results revealed a spectrum of toxicity: abamectin and trifloxystrobin were highly toxic; pretilachlor was moderately so; and glufosinate-ammonium, triflumezopyrim, and thiazole zinc were low. Notably, triflumezopyrim induced significant oxidative stress and DNA damage, while all three low-toxicity pesticides inhibited AChE activity, indicating potential neurotoxicity. Despite these effects, all observed toxicities were reversible within 7–14 days. Considering that the tested concentrations exceeded typical field application rates, glufosinate-ammonium, triflumezopyrim, and thiazole zinc are deemed relatively safe for P. merus at recommended dosages. Our findings provide critical insights for optimizing pesticide selection in rice–fish farming, balancing pest control with ecological safety, thereby informing sustainable agricultural practices.
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(This article belongs to the Section Environment and Climate Change)
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The Role of Megalobrama amblycephala bcl2l13 Gene in Apoptosis and Autophagy
by
Suzhen Wang, Xuanhui Li, Danyang Wu, Zexia Gao, Hong Liu and Huanling Wang
Fishes 2025, 10(6), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10060247 - 24 May 2025
Abstract
Bcl-2-like protein 13 (Bcl2l13) plays an important role in the cell apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy of mammals. However, the role of bcl2l13 remains unclear in fish. Therefore, in this study, the function of Megalobrama amblycephala bcl2l13 gene in apoptosis and autophagy was investigated.
[...] Read more.
Bcl-2-like protein 13 (Bcl2l13) plays an important role in the cell apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy of mammals. However, the role of bcl2l13 remains unclear in fish. Therefore, in this study, the function of Megalobrama amblycephala bcl2l13 gene in apoptosis and autophagy was investigated. The results showed that the overexpression of M. amblycephala bcl2l13 under hypoxic condition led to a reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), an increase in the expression levels of autophagy-related genes (p62, lc3, pink1), and a disruption of mitochondrial structure. However, deleting its transmembrane (TM) and Bcl-2 homology no (BHNo) domains decreased the P62 protein level, suggesting its essential role in autophagy. Furthermore, bcl2l13 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. Additional studies revealed that the permeability of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) increased after overexpression of bcl2l13, but decreased upon deletion of the TM domain. Additionally, hypoxia led to elevated Bcl2l13 and P62 levels, and caused mitochondrial damage in M. amblycephala liver after 48 h of treatment. In conclusion, bcl2l13 may induce autophagy, inhibit cell proliferation and promote apoptosis, while its TM and BHNo domains play pivotal roles in these processes.
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(This article belongs to the Section Genetics and Biotechnology)
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An Ecosystem-Based Approach to Evaluating Impacts of Fisheries Management on Ecosystem Restoration in a Chinese Subtropical Yangming Reservoir
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Haibo Gong, Chengjie Yin, Jinxiang Yu, Jun Xiao, Zhijie Yu, Xuejun Fu, Bin Huang, Xiya Wu and Caigang Li
Fishes 2025, 10(6), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10060246 - 23 May 2025
Abstract
This study delves into the ecological implications of diverse fishery patterns on aquatic ecosystems, centering on environmental parameters, species richness, and nutrient dynamics. Using the ecological fishery management model of Yangming Lake as a case, it evaluates its influence on water quality improvement,
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This study delves into the ecological implications of diverse fishery patterns on aquatic ecosystems, centering on environmental parameters, species richness, and nutrient dynamics. Using the ecological fishery management model of Yangming Lake as a case, it evaluates its influence on water quality improvement, species diversity promotion, and ecosystem stability maintenance. From 2018 to 2022, the Shannon–Wiener index in Yangming Lake increased by 17.34%, and water quality significantly improved, with phytoplankton biomass decreasing by 95.5%, total nitrogen content dropping by 33.69%, and permanganate index declining by 30.75%. Although ecological fisheries demonstrate certain effectiveness in tackling invasive species, further in-depth research is needed. This study emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between fishery development and ecological protection, in line with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s “blue transformation” strategy. Our findings offer valuable insights for sustainable fisheries development and highlight the necessity of customized management strategies to protect biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Future research will focus on exploring the long-term ecological effects of ecological fisheries and the role of native carnivorous fish in controlling invasive species.
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(This article belongs to the Section Fishery Economics, Policy, and Management)
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Effect of Berberine Hydrochloride on Disposition Characteristics of Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride and Its Mechanism in Yellow Catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) Following Combined Oral Administration
by
Tianfu Zhong, Xiangxuan Du, Yueyan Chen and Yongtao Liu
Fishes 2025, 10(6), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10060245 - 23 May 2025
Abstract
To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of the Chinese herbal medicine berberine hydrochloride (BBH) on the pharmacokinetics of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CIP) in yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco), this study established two experimental groups: CIP alone and CIP combined with
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To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of the Chinese herbal medicine berberine hydrochloride (BBH) on the pharmacokinetics of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CIP) in yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco), this study established two experimental groups: CIP alone and CIP combined with BBH. After administering the two treatment groups, we analyzed the pharmacokinetic characteristics and tissue distribution of CIP in yellow catfish, as well as the differences in the expression levels of two key genes involved in drug disposition—ABCB4 (ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 4, related to drug transport) and CYP3A40 (cytochrome P450 3A40, related to drug metabolism)—in the intestinal tract. The results demonstrated that co-administration of CIP and BBH increased the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) of CIP while reducing its total body clearance (CL/F). Regarding gene expression, the combined treatment significantly downregulated ABCB4 expression in the intestine at certain time points compared to CIP alone, whereas CYP3A40 expression showed a non-significant decreasing trend. These findings suggest that BBH may enhance the absorption of CIP in yellow catfish by suppressing ABCB4 expression, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy at the same dosage.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquaculture Pharmacology)
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Effect of Dietary Lipid Level on Growth Performance, Feed Utilization, and Body Composition of Juvenile Kelp Grouper Epinephelus moara
by
Tao Liu, Fen Dong, Yulong Sun, Huan Su, Puqiang Zheng, Qiang Chen, Tao Han and Jiteng Wang
Fishes 2025, 10(6), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10060244 - 22 May 2025
Abstract
An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to assess the effects of different dietary lipid levels on the growth performance, feed utilization, and body composition of juvenile kelp grouper Epinephelus moara. Six diets with varying lipid levels of 2.82%, 5.30%, 7.83%, 11.76%, 14.19%,
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An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to assess the effects of different dietary lipid levels on the growth performance, feed utilization, and body composition of juvenile kelp grouper Epinephelus moara. Six diets with varying lipid levels of 2.82%, 5.30%, 7.83%, 11.76%, 14.19%, and 16.32% (designated as CL1 to CL6) were carefully formulated. A cohort of 324 juvenile fish (initial body weight of 5.87 ± 0.09 g fish−1) were randomly divided into six groups with three replicates in each group. The results showed that weight gain (WG) significantly improved as the dietary lipid level increased to 7.83%, followed by a decline with further increases. Fish fed the diet with 7.83% lipids also exhibited the highest feed efficiency (FE) and protein efficiency ratio. Although daily nitrogen intake and daily energy intake varied, no significant differences in nitrogen retention and energy retention were detected among the groups. With the increase in dietary lipid levels, daily lipid intake and daily lipid gain significantly increased, but lipid retention showed a consistent decline. Additionally, the viscerosomatic index and intraperitoneal fat ratio and the lipid content of the whole body, dorsal muscle, and liver increased significantly with increasing dietary lipid levels. The hepatic glycogen content inversely decreased with the elevation in dietary lipid levels. The lowest total cholesterol content in the serum was detected in the 16.32% dietary lipid treatment. According to the second-order polynomial regression analysis of WG and FE, a dietary lipid level of 6.56–9.31% was optimal for the growth performance and feed efficiency of juvenile kelp grouper.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Fish Nutrition Research for Sustainable Aquaculture)
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Hepcidin Deficiency Disrupts Iron Homeostasis and Induces Ferroptosis in Zebrafish Liver
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Mingli Liu, Mingjian Peng, Jingwen Ma, Ruiqin Hu, Qianghua Xu, Peng Hu and Liangbiao Chen
Fishes 2025, 10(5), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10050243 - 21 May 2025
Abstract
Hepcidin is a key regulator of systemic iron homeostasis, which is essential for maintaining iron balance and cellular health. To investigate its role in zebrafish, we empolyed a hepcidin knockout model. Morphological and histological analyses revealed pale livers and significant iron accumulation in
[...] Read more.
Hepcidin is a key regulator of systemic iron homeostasis, which is essential for maintaining iron balance and cellular health. To investigate its role in zebrafish, we empolyed a hepcidin knockout model. Morphological and histological analyses revealed pale livers and significant iron accumulation in hep−/− zebrafish, particularly in liver, skin, and egg tissues. RNA sequencing identified 1,424 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between wild-type (WT) and hep−/− zebrafish, with significant enrichment in pathways related to ferroptosis, fatty acid degradation, and heme binding. Western blot analysis showed reduced levels of key iron-related proteins, including GPX4, Fth1, and ferroportin (FPN), indicating impaired iron transport and increased oxidative stress. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG analyses highlighted disruptions in iron metabolism and lipid oxidation, linking iron overload to ferroptosis in the absence of hepcidin. These findings demonstrate that hepcidin deficiency leads to profound dysregulation of iron homeostasis, driving lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in the zebrafish liver. Our study provides mechanistic insights into the molecular consequences of hepcidin loss, advancing our understanding of iron-related oxidative damage and its physiological impacts.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genomics Applied to Fish Health)
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Effects of Social Enrichment Induced by Different-Sized Groups and Live Bait on Growth, Aggressive Behavior, Physiology, and Neurogenesis in Juvenile Sebastes schlegelii
by
Zhen Zhang, Xiaoming Yu, Zhongxin Wu and Tao Tian
Fishes 2025, 10(5), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10050242 - 21 May 2025
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This study examined the effects of stress and social enrichment on fish neuroplasticity and antioxidant capacity, addressing growing concerns about fish welfare in aquaculture. A 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design comprising eight treatment groups was implemented to investigate how bait type,
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This study examined the effects of stress and social enrichment on fish neuroplasticity and antioxidant capacity, addressing growing concerns about fish welfare in aquaculture. A 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design comprising eight treatment groups was implemented to investigate how bait type, group size (two distinct sizes tested), and stress level affected the expression of neurogenesis-related genes (PCNA, DCX, and NeuroD) and antioxidant parameters (MDA levels, CAT, GSH-Px, and SOD activity) in the fish. The findings demonstrated that social enrichment significantly reduced aggressive behavior and basal cortisol levels and enhanced the expression of neurogenesis-related gene. However, the optimal group-size augmentation (between the two group sizes tested) considerably increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and decreased MDA levels. Acute stress further upregulated cortisol levels and the expression of genes related to neurogenesis. A scientific foundation for enhancing fish welfare in aquaculture is provided by the study’s confirmation that social enrichment reduces stress and fosters neuroplasticity.
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Utilizing Environmental DNA for Early Monitoring of Non-Indigenous Fish Species in Maritime Ballast Water
by
Hanglei Li, Hui Jia and Hui Zhang
Fishes 2025, 10(5), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10050241 - 21 May 2025
Abstract
Ballast water has become a significant vector for the global spread of non-indigenous aquatic species. These species may cause severe ecological disruption and economic losses when introduced into new environments. Traditional monitoring techniques often lack the sensitivity and efficiency required for early monitoring,
[...] Read more.
Ballast water has become a significant vector for the global spread of non-indigenous aquatic species. These species may cause severe ecological disruption and economic losses when introduced into new environments. Traditional monitoring techniques often lack the sensitivity and efficiency required for early monitoring, hindering timely and effective management. In this study, we used environmental DNA (eDNA) technology to assess fish diversity and identify non-indigenous fish species in ballast water samples collected from 14 international vessels entering Dongjiakou Port, China. Genetic evidence of five non-indigenous fish species was monitored, including two recognized invasive species (Lates calcarifer and Anguilla anguilla). Among all groups, samples from Group B (V2, V3, V6, V8) exhibited the highest diversity of non-indigenous species, suggesting regional differences in species composition that may reflect source port biodiversity. These findings highlight the utility of eDNA-based monitoring not only for early detection of potentially non-indigenous taxa but also for capturing biogeographic patterns associated with global maritime traffic. By demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach at an international port, this study contributes a scientific foundation for both local biodiversity conservation and broader ecological surveillance, offering valuable insights for the ongoing development of ballast water management strategies worldwide.
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(This article belongs to the Section Fishery Economics, Policy, and Management)
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Utilization of Fish Meal and Fish Oil from Smoked Salmon By-Products in Juvenile Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) Feeds: Growth Performance, Nutritional Composition, and Shelf-Life Assessment of Upcycled Ingredients
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Connor Neagle, Michael O. Frinsko, Ryan Kelly, Steven G. Hall, Benjamin J. Reading, Alexander Chouljenko, Greg Bolton and Michael Joseph
Fishes 2025, 10(5), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10050240 - 21 May 2025
Abstract
Fish meal (FM) and fish oil (FO) are vital components commonly used in feed formulations. However, their supply, which generally comes from capture fisheries, is being exhausted, necessitating the exploration of sustainable alternatives. In a two-part study, the first part evaluated the FM
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Fish meal (FM) and fish oil (FO) are vital components commonly used in feed formulations. However, their supply, which generally comes from capture fisheries, is being exhausted, necessitating the exploration of sustainable alternatives. In a two-part study, the first part evaluated the FM and FO derived from smoked salmon by-product (SSBP) over a 12-week accelerated shelf-life test, comparing their lipid oxidation, amino acid, and fatty acid profiles to those of commercial whitefish meal and oil. In the second part, the SSBP FM and FO were then included in three experimental feeds at 25%, 50%, and 100% inclusion levels. These feeds were tested on juvenile striped bass (Morone saxatilis) cultured in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). The results indicated that the quality of SSBP FM and FO was lower than the commercial product (less amino acids (23.98% vs. 60.30%) and omega-3 fatty acids (9.46% vs. 26.6%), respectively). SSBP FO exhibited high initial peroxide value (21.00 ± 0.00 meq/kg oil), with gradually increasing total oxidation value and p-Anisidine value during storage. Regarding the feeding trial, all fish showed signs of Mycobacterium marinum infection after one month. While there was no significant difference in feed palatability (p > 0.8559), the feed conversion ratio was less efficient for the 100% SSBP feed (1.44 ± 0.14) compared to commercial feed (1.36 ± 0.13), but these differences were not statistically significant. This study suggests that SSBP FM and FO can be used as supplements at lower levels (25% and 50%) without negatively affecting growth, feed efficiency, or survival. Our findings may be useful for enabling beneficial collaborations between smoked salmon processors, feed manufacturers, and striped bass farmers, therefore contributing to sustainability in aquaculture practices.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative Feeds for Aquatic Animals)
Open AccessArticle
Biological Traits and Isoenzymatic Characterization of Triplophysa strauchii from the Turks River
by
Gulden Serekbol, Chengxin Wang, Liting Yang, Huanhuan Wang, Jiaxuan Liu, Qiang Huo, Hao Xu, Yong Song, Daoquan Ren and Shengao Chen
Fishes 2025, 10(5), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10050239 - 21 May 2025
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The intensification of human activities in recent years has led to significant overexploitation of Triplophysa strauchii populations, resulting in a decline in the species’ natural stocks. This underscores the need for research and development initiatives aimed at supporting the recovery and sustainable management
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The intensification of human activities in recent years has led to significant overexploitation of Triplophysa strauchii populations, resulting in a decline in the species’ natural stocks. This underscores the need for research and development initiatives aimed at supporting the recovery and sustainable management of the species. Therefore, this study investigated its biological traits and isozyme characteristics in detail. First, throutigations of fish ecology, the age and growth patterns of T. strauchii were examined. The results revealed that the length of the otoliths was greater than the width and that the intermajor groove was indistinct. The age range of the fish was 0–4 years. A correlation between body length and weight revealed that T. strauchii exhibited isometric growth patterns. In terms of growth parameters, the inflection point in age for T. strauchii was ti = 3.23. Additionally, to analyze the enzymes lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), and esterase (EST) in ten tissues of T. strauchii (liver, muscle, heart, gills, eye, brain, fins, kidneys, gonads, and intestines), vertical plate electrophoresis was performed via polyacrylamide gels. The results of isoenzyme analysis revealed that the LDHA (lactate dehydrogenase A subunit) gene was predominant in all tissues. A maximum of two s-MDH enzyme bands with three m-MDH enzyme bands were detected, with a classic enzyme profile and no gene mutation. The EST enzyme was highly expressed in the liver and kidney and was less polymorphic. In general, T. strauchii exhibited a spindle-like body shape and isometric growth patterns in the Turks River. It exhibited a narrow age range, strong adaptability, and stable genetic traits. This species has high development potential, utilization value and ecological significance.
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Assessment of Exploited Stock and Management Implications of Tiger Tooth Croaker (Otolithes ruber) in Coastal Waters of Makran, Pakistan
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Samroz Majeed, S M Nurul Amin, Asad Ullah Ali Muhammad and Sudheer Ahmed
Fishes 2025, 10(5), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10050238 - 20 May 2025
Abstract
Pakistan’s marine fishing industry is crucial to the country’s economy, generating employment opportunities and foreign revenue. It produces 80% of the country’s total fish production. Otolithes ruber is a commercially important fish on the Makran coast of Pakistan, contributing significantly to the region’s
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Pakistan’s marine fishing industry is crucial to the country’s economy, generating employment opportunities and foreign revenue. It produces 80% of the country’s total fish production. Otolithes ruber is a commercially important fish on the Makran coast of Pakistan, contributing significantly to the region’s croaker fisheries. This study is the first to apply three length-based approaches for assessing the stock status of O. ruber in the Makran coast: (1) TropFishR to estimate the mortality, growth parameters, and current exploitation status, reference points based on the yield per recruitment model, (2) the length-based Bayesian biomass method (LBB) to calculate stock biomass, and (3) the length-based spawning potential ratio (LBSPR) to estimate the spawning potential ratio. The length–weight relationship of Otolithes ruber was a positive allometric pattern (b = 3.28; R2 = 0.94). Growth parameters for Otolithes ruber were L∞ = 55.47 cm, K = 0.50 year−1. The calculated total mortality rate (Z), natural mortality (M), and fishing mortality (F) were 2.27 year−1, 0.67 year−1, and 1.6 year−1, respectively. The exploitation rate (E) was 0.70, indicating severe overexploitation. The current length at first capture (Lc50) = 27.37 cm was lower than that at first maturity (Lm50) = 30.75 cm, indicating growth overfishing. The current spawning potential ratio (8%) was lower than the optimal value (40%), indicating recruitment overfishing. The current biomass, concerning virgin biomass B/Bo, was also 8%, resulting in a 92% stock decline. We recommend reducing the exploitation pressure by limiting the commercial catch to an optimum length range of 34.5–42.2 cm and reducing fishing pressure by 40% to ensure sustainable fishery management.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Roles of Fishery Biology and Fish Population Dynamics in Fisheries Management)
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Open AccessArticle
Citizen Science Illuminates a City-Dwelling Whale: A Report on the Large Aggregation of Narrow-Ridged Finless Porpoises in Tokyo Bay, Japan
by
Gen Nakamura and Ayumi Hirose
Fishes 2025, 10(5), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10050237 - 19 May 2025
Abstract
Tokyo Bay is one of the busiest ocean areas for human activity worldwide, characterized by a high density of maritime traffic and industrial development. This area is also recognized as the habitat of the narrow-ridged finless porpoise, an endangered toothed whale. Although the
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Tokyo Bay is one of the busiest ocean areas for human activity worldwide, characterized by a high density of maritime traffic and industrial development. This area is also recognized as the habitat of the narrow-ridged finless porpoise, an endangered toothed whale. Although the existence of this species has been recognized, its scientific data, such as population size and geographic distribution, are limited in the region. Therefore, using social media, we initiated a research project to collect sighting information on this species in Tokyo Bay. As a result, 27 valid pieces of information on the finless porpoises were collected from July 2024 to the end of February 2025. The sightings were reported mainly in the waters north of Futtsu Cape, indicating that this species is localized in the northern part of Tokyo Bay. Also, most of the reported sightings were of groups of wo or more animals. Notably, a school of at least 30 animals was recorded, marking the most prominent school ever observed in the region and the third largest in Japan. This study highlights the importance of the northern region of Tokyo Bay as a habitat for this species. The effective integration of citizen science with scientific and quantitative research will enhance our understanding of the life history of this endangered species, thereby supporting conservation efforts.
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(This article belongs to the Section Biology and Ecology)
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Open AccessArticle
Aquaculture Areas Extraction Model Using Semantic Segmentation from Remote Sensing Images at the Maowei Sea of Beibu Gulf
by
Weirong Qin, Mohd Hasmadi Ismail, Yangyang Luo, Yifeng Yuan, Junlin Deng, Mohammad Firuz Ramli and Ning Wu
Fishes 2025, 10(5), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10050236 - 19 May 2025
Abstract
The extraction of aquaculture areas from high-resolution remote sensing images is crucial for effective coastal management and resource preservation. This study introduces SwinNet, a semantic segmentation model leveraging multi-scale feature fusion to enhance the extraction of aquaculture areas, particularly in the Maowei Sea
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The extraction of aquaculture areas from high-resolution remote sensing images is crucial for effective coastal management and resource preservation. This study introduces SwinNet, a semantic segmentation model leveraging multi-scale feature fusion to enhance the extraction of aquaculture areas, particularly in the Maowei Sea of the Beibu Gulf, China. Utilizing the Swin Transformer backbone and a novel Parallel Pooling Attention Module (PPAM), SwinNet minimizes background noise and improves segmentation accuracy. SwinNet achieved a pixel accuracy of 96.53% and an intersection over the union of 93.07% on an aquaculture dataset, demonstrating superior performance in overcoming noise and accurately extracting aquaculture areas. SwinNet offers an effective solution for large-scale, high-precision monitoring of coastal aquaculture, with potential broader applicability in aquatic resource conservation and management.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Learning in Aquaculture)
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Open AccessReview
A Review of Standardization in Mississippi’s Multidecadal Inland Fisheries Monitoring Program
by
Caleb A. Aldridge and Michael E. Colvin
Fishes 2025, 10(5), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10050235 - 18 May 2025
Abstract
Standardizing data collection, management, and analysis processes can improve the reliability and efficiency of fisheries monitoring programs, yet few studies have examined the operationalization of these tasks within agency settings. We reviewed the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, Fisheries Bureau’s inland
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Standardizing data collection, management, and analysis processes can improve the reliability and efficiency of fisheries monitoring programs, yet few studies have examined the operationalization of these tasks within agency settings. We reviewed the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, Fisheries Bureau’s inland recreational fisheries monitoring program—a 30+-year effort to standardize field protocols, data handling procedures, and automated analyses through a custom-built computer application, the Fisheries Resources Analysis System (FRAS). Drawing on quantitative summaries of sampling trends and qualitative interviews with fisheries managers, we identified key benefits, challenges, and opportunities associated with the Bureau’s standardization efforts. Standardized procedures improved sampling consistency, data reliability, and operational efficiency, enabling the long-term tracking of fish population and angler metrics across more than 270 managed waterbodies. However, challenges related to analytical transparency and spatiotemporal comparisons persist. Simulations indicated that under current conditions, 5.8, 22.9, and 37.1 years would be required to sample (boat electrofishing) 50%, 75%, and 95% of the Bureau’s waterbodies at least once, respectively; these figures should translate to other agencies, assuming similar resource availability per waterbody. The monitoring program has reduced manual processing effort and enhanced staff capacity for waterbody-specific management, yet several opportunities remain to improve efficiency and utility. These include expanding FRAS functionalities for trend visualization, integrating mobile field data entry to reduce transcription errors, linking monitoring results with management objectives, and enhancing automated report generation for management support. Strengthening these elements could not only streamline workflows but better position agencies to apply standardized data in adaptive management embedded into the monitoring program.
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(This article belongs to the Section Fishery Economics, Policy, and Management)
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Open AccessArticle
Multi-Omics Investigation of Fatty Acid Content Variations in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Muscle: Integrating Genome, Transcriptome, and Lipid Profiling Data
by
Kaikuo Wang, Qi Wang, Yingjie Chen, Yiming Cao, Ran Zhao, Shuangting Yu, Xiaoqing Sun, Yan Zhang and Jiongtang Li
Fishes 2025, 10(5), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10050234 - 16 May 2025
Abstract
Fatty acids (FAs), especially the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), play pivotal roles in growth and development. Fish possess a remarkable ability to synthesize PUFAs, rendering them a crucial and significant source of these essential FAs for human consumption. Despite extensive research on the
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Fatty acids (FAs), especially the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), play pivotal roles in growth and development. Fish possess a remarkable ability to synthesize PUFAs, rendering them a crucial and significant source of these essential FAs for human consumption. Despite extensive research on the metabolic processes of FAs, the primary processes underlying FA content variation and corresponding regulatory mechanisms remain largely unexplored. We quantified the muscular FA profiles of 304 common carp samples. High variation in muscle FA content among samples was observed, with the coefficients of variation ranging from 0.36 to 0.92. With genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we identified 1410 SNPs significantly associated with the FA content. The genetic variation at genes participating in oxidation, ubiquitination, and transcriptional factors was associated with the content of multiple FAs, while few variants were observed in the FA-synthesis genes. For the total PUFA (TPUFA) content, transcriptome analysis of groups with the highest and lowest TPUFA content identified 715 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including genes involved in oxidation and ubiquitination. Using multiple genomic selection programs with the associated SNPs for FA content, we obtained high and positive correlations ranging from 0.65 to 0.92 between the real FA contents and estimated breeding values. These findings manifested the major-effect processes governing the differences in muscular FA content and their regulatory mechanisms. The optimal genomic selection programs provide novel and feasible perspectives to enhance FA content in common carp.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Design Breeding in Aquaculture)
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