Skeletal evaluation and technical improvements to decrease the incidence of skeletal deformities in Solea senegalensis, Kaup

The appearance of skeletal deformities is a major problem associated to intensive, large-scale culture of fish species, affecting growth, development and ultimately, survival of produced fish. Although the mechanisms working behind it are still unclear, it is known that environmental, genetic and nutritional factors play fundamental roles. Given its importance as a vertebrate model to study skeleton-related diseases, the selection of an appropriate dietary protocol is a critical step in order to diminish the nutritional effect on bone and cartilage development. To better understand the effect of diet on skeletal development and deformities, as well as on larvae and juvenile global performance, we have tested four distinct dietary regimes, composed of rotifers Brachionus sp., Artemia nauplii and dry, formulated food.