Aggression in aquatic environments and its relevance in aquaculture and conservation efforts

Abstract

Fish population dynamics, stock assessment and overall productivity of aquaculture environments are all significantly impacted by aggressive interactions within fish populations. The purpose of this review is to examine the major determinants of aggression, such as the physical characteristics of the fish themselves, social complexity, the presence of prospective rivals, and environmental factors. This article offers a thorough analysis of the state of the art regarding fish aggression. The effects of aggression on vital functions like feeding effectiveness, growth performance, health status, death rates, and reproductive success are examined in depth. The review also assesses the use of pheromones, light modification, and environmental enrichment as management strategies to reduce antagonism in aquaculture settings. Finally, the pressing need for additional study to create novel and efficient approaches to control and avoid aggression in aquaculture has been emphasized on. Researchers, aquaculture professionals, and fish welfare advocates who want to comprehend the complicated behaviour of aggression in fish and its broader implications for aquaculture and conservation may find this thorough overview helpful.