Working Group Fish Growth Physiology

3R in fish research and aquaculture.

Our research investigates the cellular, molecular and physiological basis of growth, early development and tissue quality in fish in aquaculture. A particular focus is on the establishment and application of fish cell cultures (in vitro) as innovative model systems.

In line with the 3R principle (Replace, Reduce, Refine), we develop alternatives to animal testing to reduce the number of laboratory animals used whilst enabling reproducible, efficient and animal-welfare-oriented research approaches. Our work thus makes a key contribution to sustainable aquaculture, the improvement of rearing conditions and the optimisation of growth and product quality.

By combining fish cell models, research on fish larvae and tissue analysis, we are laying the foundations for the early detection of stress factors, a better understanding of developmental processes, and the targeted assessment and improvement of fish welfare, as well as the establishment of robust and sustainable production systems in fish farming.

Research Aims:

• Establishment and application of fish cell cultures (in vitro) and the development of new fish cell lines as an alternative to animal testing in accordance with the 3R principle (Replace, Reduce, Refine) for the investigation of cell physiology, stress responses and environmental factors (e.g. climate change); https://www.ichthyologie.de/fish-cell-culture-course/
• Analysis of fish larval development and comparative studies between different fish species to identify limiting factors and improve survival rates in aquaculture
• Research into muscle development (myogenesis), muscle tissue and skeletal deformities in relation to environmental and husbandry conditions
• Investigation of fillet quality, including fatty acid composition as well as sensory and physico-chemical parameters as indicators of animal welfare and production quality; http://www.aquaculture-mv.com/Research/