Four Decades of Scientific Advances at the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory: From Native Fish Biology to Biotechnology for Aquaculture and Conservation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.19136/ta.a4n2.5766Keywords:
tropical aquaculture, native fish, reproductive biotechnology, Centropomus, fry production, conservation of aquatic resourcesAbstract
The history of the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory (LAT) at Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco (UJAT) reflects four decades of research focused on understanding the sustainable use and conservation of native fish species in southeastern Mexico. Since its early studies on regional ichthyofauna, reproductive biology, and feeding habits, the Laboratory has evolved to develop technologies for the culture, reproductive management, and production of species of ecological and economic importance. Research on the tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus), the bay snook (Petenia splendida), and the mayan cichlid (Mayaheros urophthalmus) laid the basis for integrating knowledge of nutrition, physiology, reproduction, and conservation. Subsequently, work with sea bass of the genus Centropomus consolidated lines of research on hormonal induction of spawning, gamete quality, larviculture, live feed production, and sex control, recently incorporating histological, endocrinological, and molecular tools to understand the mechanisms of sex change. This trajectory has been made possible by the continuity of its researchers, the training of new generations, and collaboration with national and international institutions. Beyond its scientific contributions, the LAT’s experience shows that developing aquaculture for native species requires sustained research, integration across disciplines, and a close connection to the needs of the productive sector. Amid current environmental, technological, and economic challenges, its primary commitment is to continue generating knowledge and solutions that enable responsible food production, strengthen fishing communities, and contribute to the conservation of aquatic resources.
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