How does Salinity affect the Meagre's growth?

A team of researchers led by Marco Lemos from MARE recently published the article "Assessing the euryhaline characteristics and metabolic responses of meagre (Angyrosomus regius) when reared under different salinities opportunities for aquaculture refinement" in the scientific journal Aquaculture. The article concerns research into the rearing of juvenile corvina in waters with different salinity levels, to see how these fish adapt physiologically, and what the impacts are in terms of productivity.

The meagre is a migratory fish that begins its life cycle in estuaries, before moving as an adult to areas closer to the coast. This exposure to environmental conditions significantly influences the meager's growth, reproduction and feeding behavior.

In aquaculture, the meagre is a highly prized fish from a commercial point of view, due to its high growth rate, quality meat, nutritional value and well-established rearing techniques. However, its rearing in aquaculture has not yet reached its full potential in terms of production optimization.

In this study, the researchers assessed the stress and biochemical costs associated with rearing juvenile meagre in environments with varying degrees of salinity, with the aim of exploring the possibility of producing this species in different locations without compromising productivity. Thus, the researchers concluded that as the salinity of the environment increases, even above the animal's isosmotic point (internal salinity of the fish), some biochemical responses related to energy use and oxidative stress also increase. However, the growth rate also increases.

By taking advantage of the meagre's ability to adapt to different salinities, this research also contributes to the sustainable growth of the aquaculture industry, increasing our knowledge of production techniques for this commercially valuable species.

To access the article click HERE