@article{fdi:010093559,
  title = {{H}istological and molecular characterization of the digestive system of early weaned juveniles of {A}rapaima sp. reared in a recirculating aquaculture system},
  author = {{D}arias, {M}aria {J}. and {E}stivals, {G}. and {A}ndree, {K}. {B}. and {F}ernández-{M}{\'e}ndez, {C}. and {B}azán, {R}. and {C}ahu, {C}. and {G}isbert, {E}. and {C}astro-{R}uiz, {D}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{A}rapaima spp., the world's largest scaled freshwater fish, native to the {A}mazon and {E}ssequibo river basins, are valued in aquaculture for their rapid growth and ornamental appeal. {H}owever, reliance on natural breeding and parental care in earthen ponds results in variable fingerling survival, hindering production. {T}his study investigated the morphology and functionality of the digestive system of {A}rapaima sp. fingerlings from the {P}eruvian {A}mazon and evaluated the feasibility of early weaning onto compound diets to optimise growth and survival. {F}ingerlings were collected from a pond at 3.19 +/- 0.03 cm total length ({TL}) and reared in a recirculating aquaculture system at 29 degrees {C} under a 12{L}:12{D} photoperiod. {F}ish were successfully weaned from {A}rtemia spp. nauplii onto an experimental compound diet (60% protein, 15% lipid) from 3.26 +/- 0.02 cm {TL} within three days. {H}istological and gene expression analyses of key digestive enzyme precursors and appetite-regulating peptides (alpha-amylase, phospholipase {A}2, lipoprotein lipase, trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen, pepsinogen, and peptide {YY}) revealed a mature digestive system, with enhanced digestive efficiency observed at 5.05 +/- 0.34 cm {TL}. {B}ased on digestive enzyme expression profiles and gut morphology, early juvenile {A}rapaima sp. possess a digestive physiology consistent with that of an omnivorous species with a preference for animal prey. {T}he middle intestine was identified as a key site for fatty acid absorption and feed intake regulation. {T}his study presents a novel, comprehensive analysis of digestive enzyme gene expression and associated tissue morphology in the genus {A}rapaima. {I}t provides new insights into their digestive physiology and establishes the feasibility of early weaning onto formulated diets. {F}uture research should explore the interplay between optimised compound feed formulations and refined early rearing protocols to maximise growth and survival throughout development.},
  keywords = {{PEROU} ; {AMAZONIE}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{PL}o{S} {O}ne},
  volume = {20},
  numero = {5},
  pages = {e0323012 [25 p.]},
  year = {2025},
  DOI = {10.1371/journal.pone.0323012},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010093559},
}