When behavioural geographic differentiation matters: inter-populational comparison of aggressiveness and group structure in the European perch

Abstract

Domestication is still a long and difficult process and it is particularly impacted by species behavioural traits. Indeed, tolerance to high densities in intensive cultures and sociability are major features which facilitate domestication and influence the effectiveness of aquaculture production. Moreover, behavioural domestication predispositions could change at the intraspecific level. Here, we investigate three essential behavioural traits: aggressive interactions, group structure, and activity between three allopatric populations of Perca fluviatilis, a fish species at its nascent stage of production. We highlight inter-populational differences in group structure and aggressive interactions but not in activity. A more cohesive and homogeneous group structure was demonstrated for Finnish populations compared to Lake Geneva at 45-46 days post-hatching. In addition, Lake Geneva presented a higher aggressiveness. These inter-populational differences could be used in European perch aquaculture in order to improve production as well as welfare of individuals.

Domestication process modifies digestion ability in larvae of Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis), a freshwater Teleostei

“…www.nature.com/scientificreports www.nature.com/scientificreports/ domesticated or (ii) different practices leading to exhibition of different traits in captivity. It is already known that different populations can show different growth 10,11 and behavioural traits 12 , however, there is no information on which processes are conditioning production effectiveness. Therefore, knowledge of the processes conditioning adaptability of this species to the culture conditions, along with their domestication, are crucial elements toward the development of future breeding programs.…”

Getting off on the right foot: Integration of spatial distribution of genetic variability for aquaculture development and regulations, the European perch case

“…2). In the same way, aggressiveness and group structure differ between two Finnish populations and Geneva Lake which belong to different genetic groups (Toomey et al, 2019). Therefore, we suggest that investigations of populations from different genetic groups could allow highlighting populations with divergent performances for aquaculture.…”

“…swim bladder inflation rate, survival rate), organoleptic characteristics (e.g. colour, filet quality), and behaviour (cannibalism rate, group structure) have been highlighted in P. fluviatilis (Mairesse et al, 2006;Mandiki et al, 2004;Mélard et al, 2003;Pimakhin et al, 2015;Pimakhin and Zak, 2014;Toomey et al, 2019;Vanina et al, 2019). Moreover, differences in growth and survival rates between several populations (i.e.…”

Unlocking the intraspecific aquaculture potential from the wild biodiversity to facilitate aquaculture development

“…Kokita 2004), aggressiveness (e.g. Toomey et al 2019), immunity (e.g. Glover et al 2003) and stress sensibility (e.g.…”

“…Our approach aims to balance the complexity of multi‐trait assessment over several prospective units (though step 1’s classification allows restricting the range of possibilities regarding biological units to compare) by choosing the best part of the wild biodiversity. Indeed, gains of highlighting populations with the highest aquaculture potential can provide important benefits for fish production (see for instance for Perca fluviatilis, Mandiki et al 2004; Toomey et al 2019; Vanina et al 2019). However, consequent investment may not be operated for each new candidate.…”