Metabolic response to monthly variations of Sparus aurata reared in mediterranean on-shore tanks

The aim of this study was to investigate metabolic adaptation to monthly variations in sea bream reared in Mediterranean off-shore tanks. For this purpose, each month (from October 2010 until June 2011), on 25 Sparus aurata always randomly captured by the same batches in Sicilian farm, fork length, body weight and visceral weight were measured and blood samples were collected. Using biometric data condition factor, viscero-somatic index were calculated and on blood samples biochemical profile was assessed. The application of one way ANOVA showed a significant effect of seasons on all biometric and biochemical parameters studied (P<0.0001). Seasonality do not compromise the welfare status of sea bream that have a good acclimation capacity to environmental variations. Our results could represent a further support to better understand the effect of seasonality on the growth and metabolic profile in fish. Such information could be important in aquaculture in order to optimize husbandry practices carrying out them when physiological status of fish is seasonally less efficient.