A rather unusual experiment was published in the recent J. Fish Biology:
S. E. Papoutsoglou, N. Karakatsouli, A. Batzina, E. S. Papoutsoglou and A.
Tsopelakos (2008): Effect of music stimulus on gilthead seabream Sparus
aurata physiology under different light intensity in a re-circulating water.
J. Fish Biol. 73 (4), 980-1004.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate music effects
(Mozart, K525) on gilthead seabream Sparus aurata and investigate whether
its response to music was differentiated when combined with different
lighting conditions. Therefore, S. aurata (mean ±s.e. 1·51 ± 0·01 g) were
reared in re-circulating water system under 80 and 200 lx and subjected to 2
and 4 h of music transmissions or to no music at all (control, ambient noise
only). Underwater ambient noise of the equipment (e.g. pumps and aerators)
in all experimental tanks was 121 dB re 1 μPa and music transmitted was set
at 140 dB re 1 μPa. During the first 89 days of rearing, music resulted in
enhanced growth. Nevertheless, at the end of the experiment (on day 117) no
significant differences were found for body mass but music treatment
resulted in more homogeneous fish populations than controls. Brain
neurotransmitter levels were reduced especially when music transmission was
combined with 200 lx. Feed utilization was significantly improved when fish
were subjected to 4 h of music and 200 lx, while stomach proteolytic enzymes
and intestine total carbohydrases were lower and higher, respectively,
compared to controls. Some differences were also observed in liver and
plasma fatty acids composition. The present results provide the initial
evidence that music transmission under specific rearing conditions could
have enhancing effects on S. aurata growth performance, at least at specific
fish sizes. Moreover, the observed music effects on several aspects of fish
physiology (e.g. digestive enzymes, fatty acid composition and brain
neurotransmitters) imply that music could possibly provide even further
enhancement in growth, quality, welfare and production.
URL:
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121409594/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETR
Y=0
For reprints please contact S. E. Papoutsoglou (email:
Enjoy!
Sonja Amoser
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Dr. Sonja Amoser
Daringergasse 3
1190 Wien
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