Journal Article

Growth, feed efficiency, and genetic diversity in two farmed populations of gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata (Actinopterygii, Eupercaria, Sparidae), of Atlantic and Mediterranean origin

Engin, Serhat, Tolon, Mustafa Tolga, Sert, Cenk Sait, Karahan, Bilge, Korkut, Ali Yildirim, Özcan-Gökçek, Emel, Gamsiz, Kutsal, Gurkan, Sule, Tokaç, Adnan, Karacalar, Ulviye

2026

Overview

This study compared the growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and genetic diversity of gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758, of Atlantic and Mediterranean origin reared under the same cage farming conditions for 15 months. Genetic variability was assessed using microsatellite and RAPD markers between groups. The results showed that the Atlantic group tended to exhibit higher final weight, specific growth rate (SGR), and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the Mediterranean group. However, although these differences were initially significant ( P < 0.05), they were not statistically significant after False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction (adjusted P > 0.05). Survival rates were similar across the groups. Genetic analyses revealed high within-population diversity in both groups, with moderate differentiation between Atlantic and Mediterranean origins, indicating a distinct but not strongly divergent genetic background. Overall, the results suggest a consistent trend toward improved growth performance in Atlantic seabream under the tested conditions; however, due to the lack of statistical significance after correction, cautious interpretation of the results is required. Further multi-environmental studies are required to confirm whether these trends reflect the true genetic advantages relevant to aquaculture and selective breeding programs.

• Publisher: Pensoft Publishers
• Subject: Agriculture / Aquaculture industry / Biological diversity / Costs (Law) / Growth