Use of accelerometer technology for individual tracking of activity patterns, metabolic rates and welfare in farmed gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) facing a wide range of stressors

Abstract The biosensor technology has the potential to revolutionize aquaculture industry, but selection of tagging method, operational mode (stand-alone vs. wireless systems) and telemetry ultimately depends on life species, stage research question. In particular, AEFishBIT is a small stand-alone device composed tri-axial accelerometer, microprocessor, battery RFID tag that was designed be externally attached operculum. This unique location serves provide simultaneous measurements activity patterns (signals x- y-axes) respiratory frequency (z-axis signal) processed by on-board algorithms. validity initially proved in exercised fish swim tunnel respirometer, its use as reliable tool for individual monitoring whole-organism traits free-swimming gilthead sea bream tested herein facing wide range biotic abiotic stressors. impact based monel piercing tags with flexible heat shrink polyethylene ring, also evaluated no signs growth impairment, operculum damage or gill lamellae haemorrhage were found 10 days post-tagging. autonomy 6 h continuous recording re-programmable lag times schedules 2 min windows at regular intervals along experimental period (2–8 days). Such procedure underlined negative linear correlation between fasting weight loss breaths, becoming indicator basal metabolic rates. Biosensing signals highlighted more physical increased rates young when comparisons made one- three-year old fish. Also, evidenced generalized increase during severe hypoxia (2–3 ppm), individuals classified proactive shared an supporting escape reactions milieu low oxygen availability. Likewise, we observed overall decrease tank space availability, which can contribute establish stricter criteria welfare farmed Finally, reduction consistent diagnostic marker progression parasitic enteritis experimentally infected myxozoan Enteromyxum leei. Altogether, this work constitutes proof concept behavioural profiling laboratory scale, contributing improve animal productivity industry.