Nutritional Modulation of Brain Function and Behavior in Aquatic Animals

Dear Colleagues,

Fatty acids are key biochemical regulators of growth, metabolism, neural function and welfare in aquatic organisms. Beyond their classical role as energy substrates and membrane constituents, they act as precursors of bioactive molecules that influence neurotransmission, stress physiology and behavioral responses. In recent years, significant progress has been made in elucidating the interplay between dietary lipid composition and brain activity in fish, highlighting the nutritional and welfare implications of lipid metabolism. The growing global need to replace finite marine resources such as fish oil with sustainable alternatives has further intensified research interest in the functional roles of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), within the neurophysiological framework of aquaculture species.

This Special Issue aims to bring together recent advances in and interdisciplinary perspectives on the relationship among fatty acids, brain function and welfare in fish and other aquatic animals. Emphasis will be placed on studies that examine how dietary lipid quality, fatty acids and molecular interactions among saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fractions modulate neurotransmitter systems, stress response and behavioral traits. Moreover, investigations addressing seasonal or environmental variation in lipid profiles in wild or cultured species, as well as the valorization of underutilized marine resources and discards rich in bioactive lipids, are highly encouraged.

We welcome contributions encompassing experimental, analytical and theoretical approaches, including

• The neurophysiological and endocrine effects of dietary fatty acids;
• Lipidomic and metabolomic insights into neural function and fish welfare;
• Nutritional modulation of serotonergic and dopaminergic activity;
• Molecular pathways linking dietary lipids with stress and immune responses;
• Valorization of low-value species and by-products for lipid extraction and aquafeed formulation;
• Advances in analytical and multivariate techniques (e.g., PCA, MANOVA, network modeling) for assessing lipid–neurotransmitter relationships.

By integrating findings from fish nutrition, lipid biochemistry, neurophysiology and sustainable aquaculture, this Special Issue seeks to promote a holistic understanding of how fatty acids influence brain function and welfare, thereby supporting environmentally responsible and economically viable aquaculture systems.

Dr. Helen Miliou
Dr. Aristeidis Tsopelakos
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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