Light engineering in aquaculture: physiological responses of Takifugu rubripes larvae to controlled LED irradiance

IntroductionWhile indoor aquaculture has expanded globally, optimal lighting strategies for fish growth remain understudied. This study aims to establish optimal LED protocols for indoor-reared Takifugu rubripes larvae.MethodsT. rubripes larvae were maintained at 50, 250, 500, and 750 mW/m2 (i50, i250, i500, i750) from hatching through 30 DPH. Growth, gene expression, and enzyme activities were measured.ResultsPositive growth effects were observed at i250 and i500 within 14–17 DPH, while i50 caused complete mortality after 21 DPH. At 20 DPH, i500 upregulated IGF-1 and BMP2 expression, whereas i50 downregulated BMP4 and SOX9. i50 elevated CTSF, IGM, and HSP70, indicating stress. LPS activity was highest in i250 at 15 DPH, while LDH was lowest in i50. From 10–20 DPH, AKP and ACP were consistently lower in i50. During 5–20 DPH, SOD was suppressed in i750, while T-AOC increased in i250.DiscussionLight conditions critically modulate enzymatic activity and early growth in T. rubripes larvae, though underlying mechanisms require further investigation.