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Research article2021Peer reviewedOpen access

Proof of concept: visual categorization of carotenoid pigmentation in Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus L) can predict stress response

Backstrom, Tobias; Brannas, Eva; Nilsson, Jan; Carlberg, Hanna; Johansson, Kajsa; Magnhagen, Carin

Abstract

Carotenoid pigmentation in Salvelinus alpinus has been connected to stress responsiveness in earlier studies. This has, however, only been tested with time-consuming image analysis from photos. Here, we used quick visual categorization of carotenoid pigmentation to investigate the stress responsiveness of the extreme groups. The visually selected charr were then exposed to a net restraint stressor. Arctic charr with few spots also had a lower stress responsiveness compared to charr with many spots. Thus, visual selection could be used as a simple method within aquaculture.

Keywords

aquaculture; Arctic superior; carotenoid; net restraint stressor; pigmentation

Published in

Journal of Fish Biology
2021, Volume: 98, number: 4, pages: 1192-1195
Publisher: WILEY