The Importance of Fish Phenotype in Aquaculture, Fisheries and Conservation

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Aquatic ecosystems are now facing diverse pressures under the background of climate change and human activities, which bring severe uncertainty to aquaculture sustainability, fisheries management, and biodiversity conservation. It is of vital importance to comprehensively elucidate the responses of aquatic organisms to these global change factors. One of the most critical characteristics of animals, when they cope with changes, is altering their behavioral tactics and physiological processes; however, there seems to be an underestimate of these phenotypic reactions in the contexts of aquaculture, fisheries, and conservation. How to integrate fish phenotype into adaptive management of aquatic ecosystems is one of the crucial topics that has received increasing attention from scientists, decision-makers, and the public in recent years. This Topic plans to give an overview of recent advances in the field of fish phenotype-based adaptive management of aquatic ecosystems. The phenotype involves behaviors and physiology. The important roles of phenotype may be reflected by (a) applying fish behaviors to evaluate welfare status, (b) developing practical methods to decrease undesired behaviors (e.g., cannibalism) in the aquaculture context and to improve fish ecological fitness in stock enhancement and conservation projects, and (c) elucidating the dynamics and mechanisms of fish responses to ecological changes. This Topic welcomes all types of articles.

Dr. Zonghang Zhang
Prof. Dr. Xiumei Zhang
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Animals animals	2.7	4.9	2011	16.1 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Aquaculture Journal aquacj	-	-	2021	29.3 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Biology biology	3.6	5.7	2012	16.4 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Fishes fishes	2.1	1.9	2016	17.4 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Hydrobiology hydrobiology	-	-	2022	21.1 Days	CHF 1000	Submit

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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All Animals Aquaculture Journal Biology Fishes Hydrobiology

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Open AccessArticle

Sexual Selection in Mosquitofish: Differences in the Use of Mating Cues Between Sexes

by Jiefei Wei, Bowen Feng, Chenglong Dong, Bojian Chen and Kai Liu

Animals 2025, 15(10), 1489; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15101489 - 21 May 2025

Viewed by 13

Abstract

Sexual selection is a major driver of speciation and evolution, with mate choice being a key component. Individuals assess mate quality by integrating various mating cues. The Western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), a species exhibiting pronounced sexual dimorphism in body size and [...] Read more.

Sexual selection is a major driver of speciation and evolution, with mate choice being a key component. Individuals assess mate quality by integrating various mating cues. The Western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), a species exhibiting pronounced sexual dimorphism in body size and secondary sexual traits, serves as an ideal model for studying mate choice. This study examines the impact of mating cues on mate choice in different sexes of G. affinis through a combination of morphological parameter database construction, computer-simulated animations, and dichotomous association preference tests. The results showed that male gonopodium status significantly affects female mate choice. Females exhibited a preference for males with resting-phase gonopodia, suggesting their aversion to forced copulation and sexual harassment in coercive mating systems. Furthermore, males preferred younger females, with this preference being positively correlated with male body size. This suggests that males are sensitive to sperm competition intensity and may base their choice on social rank. Geometric morphometric analysis and simulation experiments showed that males preferred females with larger gravid spots, regardless of age, suggesting that gravid spot size reflects female fecundity. Male preference for younger females with streamlined bodies and smaller abdomens was significant, but body size did not affect mate choice in general. Our findings highlight that female and male G. affinis employ different mate choice strategies, with females prioritizing male harassment avoidance and males considering multiple mating cues, not solely one dominant characteristic, in their mate choice decisions. These findings demonstrate that mate choice in G. affinis involves balancing conflicting preferences for traits associated with reduced harassment risk (e.g., resting-phase gonopodium in males) and those linked to reproductive potential (e.g., large gravid spot in females), highlighting the nuanced decision-making processes in both sexes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Importance of Fish Phenotype in Aquaculture, Fisheries and Conservation)

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13 pages, 1659 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

7,8-DHF Modulates Aggressive Behavior in Sebastes schlegelii: Phenotype-Dependent Responses in Aggression-Dimorphic Individuals

by Shufei Xu, Xinna Ma, Yang Xiao, Tao Zhang, Chao Ma and Zhen Ma

Animals 2025, 15(10), 1463; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15101463 - 19 May 2025

Viewed by 147

Abstract

Aggressive behavior is regulated by intricate neural circuits and molecular mechanisms, notably through the interaction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with its receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), which influences neuroplasticity and related behavioral phenotypes. We investigate the role of the BDNF signaling [...] Read more.

Aggressive behavior is regulated by intricate neural circuits and molecular mechanisms, notably through the interaction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with its receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), which influences neuroplasticity and related behavioral phenotypes. We investigate the role of the BDNF signaling pathway in fish aggression using juvenile black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii), which exhibit distinct aggressive phenotypes. The TrkB agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg to assess its effects on the behavioral characteristics of high-aggression (H-agg) and low-aggression (L-agg) phenotypes. Our findings indicate the following: (1) The effects of 7,8-DHF are dose-dependent, with 2.5 mg/kg identified as the effective threshold dose for H-agg individuals; (2) in the H-agg group, this dose significantly reduced locomotor acceleration, angular velocity, and activity frequency, while prolonging the first movement latency; (3) in the L-agg group, only angular velocity was significantly decreased with the 2.5 mg/kg treatment, with no significant changes observed in other behavioral parameters. This study provides the first evidence for differential behavioral responses to 7,8-DHF in S. schlegelii, demonstrating dose-dependent aggression suppression in H-agg phenotypes and threshold-specific responses in L-agg phenotypes. These insights into the neuro-molecular basis of fish aggression can guide phenotype-specific management in aquaculture, potentially improving stress management, reducing injuries and mortality, and boosting productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Importance of Fish Phenotype in Aquaculture, Fisheries and Conservation)

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11 pages, 2807 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Flow Velocity Preference of the Four Major Chinese Carps Using Convolutional Neural Networks

by Ning Qiu, Wenjing Li, Yi Yu, Jianna Jia, Guoqiang Ma and Shitao Peng

Fishes 2025, 10(4), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10040172 - 11 Apr 2025

Viewed by 281

Abstract

Flow velocity is a critical factor in determining the suitability of fish habitats. Understanding the preference patterns of the four major Chinese carps (FMCCs) for different flow velocities is crucial for their habitat conservation and restoration. In this study, the preference of individual [...] Read more.

Flow velocity is a critical factor in determining the suitability of fish habitats. Understanding the preference patterns of the four major Chinese carps (FMCCs) for different flow velocities is crucial for their habitat conservation and restoration. In this study, the preference of individual fish species, approximately 15 cm in length, for flow velocity was investigated at flow velocity gradients of 0.0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0 times their body length. Additionally, a deep learning algorithm based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) was employed for fish target detection. The results showed that, at this length, black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) preferred fast currents when the inlet flow velocity was between 0.4 and 1.6 times their body length, while grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), and bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) preferred fast currents when the inlet flow velocity of the test flume was between 0.4 and 2.0 times their body length. However, this preference for fast currents decreased as the overall flow velocity increased to a specific threshold, eventually leading to their avoidance. The highest preference for fast currents among the four species was observed at inlet flow velocities of 1.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 0.8 times their body length, respectively. The findings of this study provide important insights into habitat conservation and restoration for the FMCCs in projects focused on the construction of navigation channels and water conservancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Importance of Fish Phenotype in Aquaculture, Fisheries and Conservation)

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13 pages, 1549 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Boat Noise Increases the Oxygen Consumption Rate of the Captive Juvenile Large Yellow Croaker, Larimichthys crocea

by Ruijie Xu, Shouguo Yang, Yiyu Li, Xuguang Zhang and Xianming Tang

Animals 2025, 15(5), 714; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050714 - 2 Mar 2025

Viewed by 721

Abstract

Anthropogenic noise pollution is increasingly acknowledged as a major threat to marine ecosystems, especially for sound-sensitive species, such as the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). While the effects of underwater noise on fish behavior and physiology have been well-documented, its influence [...] Read more.

Anthropogenic noise pollution is increasingly acknowledged as a major threat to marine ecosystems, especially for sound-sensitive species, such as the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). While the effects of underwater noise on fish behavior and physiology have been well-documented, its influence on oxygen metabolism across varying temperatures remains poorly understood. This study examines the impact of boat noise on the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of juvenile large yellow croakers at different temperatures, a key factor in their metabolic activity. The underwater noise generated by a fishing boat spans a broad frequency range, with a peak spectrum level of 130 dB re 1 µPa at low frequencies between 100 and 200 Hz. Our findings reveal that boat noise significantly elevates the OCR of juvenile fish, with mass-specific OCR increasing by 65.0%, 35.3%, and 28.9% at 18 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C, respectively. Similarly, individual OCR rose by 60.7%, 35.3%, and 17.1% at these temperatures. These results demonstrate that boat noise triggers a stress response in fish, resulting in heightened metabolic demands across different seasonal conditions. Notably, the impact of boat noise on respiratory metabolism is most significant at lower temperatures. In aquatic environments with stable oxygen levels, the noise-induced rise in oxygen consumption could lead to hypoxia and provoke maladaptive behavioral changes in fish. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Importance of Fish Phenotype in Aquaculture, Fisheries and Conservation)

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16 pages, 2956 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Mate Choice in Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) in Response to Virtual Mates: A Method for the Investigation of Fish Mate Choice Using Maya 3D Simulation Technology

by Bowen Feng, Liming Chen, Liangmin Huang, Jun Li and Kai Liu

Animals 2024, 14(23), 3369; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233369 - 22 Nov 2024

Viewed by 818

Abstract

Visual signals are crucial for animals to obtain information about their environment, and they play a significant role in mate choice. However, individual variability and factors such as movement patterns can hinder research flexibility. A key challenge in this field is the accurate [...] Read more.

Visual signals are crucial for animals to obtain information about their environment, and they play a significant role in mate choice. However, individual variability and factors such as movement patterns can hinder research flexibility. A key challenge in this field is the accurate simulation of specific movements and behaviors. In this study, we investigated the western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) by creating 3D simulation animations using the Maya 2018 software. Meanwhile, we validated the effectiveness of this animation through dichotomous association preference tests. The results showed that our subjects could successfully identify 3D simulated mates, and both males and females demonstrated pronounced preferences for larger simulated animations. Moreover, our findings revealed that this species exhibited a notably stronger preference for 3D simulations compared to 2D animations. These findings suggest that 3D simulation technology holds significant potential for the investigation of fish mate choice, offering an efficient, precise, standardized, and easily manageable non-invasive method for future research in fish behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Importance of Fish Phenotype in Aquaculture, Fisheries and Conservation)

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16 pages, 4867 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Stocking Density on the Survival, Growth, and Stress Levels of the Juvenile Lined Seahorse (Hippocampus erectus) in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

by Tingting Lin, Siping Li, Dong Zhang, Xin Liu and Yuanhao Ren

Biology 2024, 13(10), 807; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13100807 - 10 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1525

Abstract

Seahorses are increasingly regarded as a promising farming object suitable for recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) due to their high economic value. However, reports on the large-scale farming of seahorses in RASs are rare, and some key parameters, such as stocking densities, are still [...] Read more.

Seahorses are increasingly regarded as a promising farming object suitable for recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) due to their high economic value. However, reports on the large-scale farming of seahorses in RASs are rare, and some key parameters, such as stocking densities, are still unclear. In the present study, we employed the lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus), for which large-scale farming has been achieved, to determine the suitable stocking density for three different-sized juveniles in RASs. The three different-sized juveniles had body heights of 4.0, 7.0, and 9.0 cm, and their test density gradients were 1.0, 0.8, 0.6, and 0.4 inds/L; 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, and 0.3 inds/L; and 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, and 0.1 inds/L, respectively. The juveniles were cultivated for one month, and then their survival, growth, and plasma cortisol and brain serotonin contents (two stress-related indicators) were analyzed. The results show that, regardless of the size of the juveniles, a high density can inhibit growth and trigger stress responses. In addition, for small- (4.0 cm) and medium-sized (7.0 cm) juveniles, a high density can also exacerbate size heterogeneity and cause death. Taking into account the welfare and yield of farmed seahorses, the present study suggests that the suitable stocking densities for 4.0, 7.0, and 9.0 cm juveniles in RASs are 0.6, 0.4, and 0.2 inds/L, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Importance of Fish Phenotype in Aquaculture, Fisheries and Conservation)

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