Early rearing of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) with mild current enrichment modifies fish swimming behavior without altering their growth performance

• Published in: Physiology & behavior 2025-02, Vol.289, p.114742, Article 114742
• Main Authors: Magnoni, Leonardo J., Cousin, Xavier, Leguen, Isabelle, Espirito-Santo, Carlos, Clota, Frédéric, Lallement, Stéphane, Bégout, Marie-Laure
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal welfare; Animals; Bass - physiology; Behavior, Animal - physiology; Finfish aquaculture; Fish phenotype; Hematocrit; Hydrocortisone - blood; Life Sciences; Rearing conditions; Stress response; Swimming - physiology; Water current enrichment
• ISSN: 0031-9384; 1873-507X; 1873-507X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114742

•Growth and physiological variables in European seabass were not affected by tank current (flow) during rearing.•Swimming behavior was consistently modified by the rearing flow conditions (Fast vs. Slow).•Higher activity and regular swimming patterns were observed in fish reared in the Fast condition.•Behavioral group tests indicate variable group cohesion, without differences between Fast and Slow groups.•Fish coping styles in isolation and group behavioral tests were not affected by the two rearing conditions. The implementation of conditions that favor optimum swimming activity (e.g., suitable flow regimes), has been associated with enhanced growth and improved welfare in some farmed fish species. Despite the importance of European seabass in aquaculture, the potential beneficial effects of rearing flow conditions have not been sufficiently explored in this species. This study investigates how the application of fast (F, 0.01–0.20 m s-1) or slow (S,