Advances in Tilapia Welfare—from Labs to Ponds

Dear Colleagues,

Fish welfare has gained substantial attention alongside public concern about these animals’ quality of life. Although the welfare of farmed fish has traditionally been measured via a function-based approach (namely using health and physiological stress indicators), ‘nature- and feelings-based’ approaches are valid and far less represented in the literature. In this sense, behavioral studies are important tools in the evaluation of fishes’ emotional and cognitive performance and integrated response to farming conditions. In this context, tilapias (among the world’s most farmed species) are a famous research model for ethological research. According to the latest FAO report, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is the third most reared species in the world. Furthermore, Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) is also widely used for aquaculture and experimental purposes. Despite their commercial value and the growing interest in the welfare of these two species, knowledge gaps still remain. In addition, less studied species may be relevant to building a broader body of knowledge on this fish group. Therefore, we invite submissions exploring the general welfare of all tilapia species, mainly those from the Oreochromini group. Although we would like to focus on behavioral studies, regular papers as well as reviews addressing welfare in a broader sense are welcome.

Dr. Eliane Gonçalves de Freitas
Dr. João Saraiva
Dr. Sonia Rey Planellas
Guest Editors

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• health
• metabolism
• growth
• stress
• behavior