The Role of Spatial Exploration and Territoriality in Establishing Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Hierarchies, and Their Effects upon Underlying Stress Physiology

Territoriality, spatial exploration and social hierarchy are strictly related behaviors in gregarious fishes, often under-appreciated farms where the individuals confined within crowded spaces. In this study, we investigated role of exploration, elucidating importance time upon forming organization, territoriality gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), using two experimental approaches. first approach, three fish were placed sequentially aquarium with an interval days (sequential model), while second (simultaneous simultaneously divided by a barrier which was removed after certain period time. To study effect stress perception models, monitored behavior (aggressive acts feeding priority), integrated evaluation physiological cellular parameters, such as phagocytosis, cortisol, glucose, blood osmolarity levels. After establishment “sequential model”, observed that levels cortisol immunological cell-mediated marker higher subordinate than dominant ones. We different modulation phagocytic activity peritoneal cavity cells between subordinates, demonstrating immune response. Differently from model, no behavioral, physiological, or differences found involved simultaneous both acted co-dominants, defending their territory. The achieved deeper understanding territorial dominance intraspecific interaction seabream, elucidated link them indicators. results highlight aspects interest to aquaculture industry, showing greater focus on rearing conditions, finding solutions mitigate crowding effects promoting quality aquacultural products.