Abstract
In gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata held in groups of two, five or 10 fish, social hierarchies were observed. Subordinate S. aurata were characterized by elevation of basal levels of plasma cortisol, together with a reduced immunological potential. Subordinate fish also showed lower feed intake, feed utilization and lower growth. Fatty acid composition was also affected by social status, with a lower content of saturated acids, oleic and eicosapentaenoic, in muscle and liver of fish considered as subordinate. Results show that social hierarchy acts as a stressor in S. aurata. © 2009 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 790-805 |
Journal | Journal of Fish Biology |
Volume | 74 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Mar 2009 |
Keywords
- Chronic stress
- Feed intake
- Social hierarchy