Laboratory of controlled reproduction and intensive fish culture
Main research areas of the laboratory:
1) controlled fish reproduction is focused on optimization of methods for obtaining viable fish gametes by adjustment of water conditions with or without hormonal preparations usage in commercially important fishes (common carp, tench, grass carp, pike-perch, sturgeons, coregonids, salmonids), fishes new to aquaculture (perch, African sharptooth catfish, Heterobranchus longifilis, sturgeons). Research is supported by the evaluation of release dynamic of sex hormones during pre-spawning and spawning period. One of the current experiment is focused on comparison of growth rate and onset of sexual maturity in brook trout, arctic charr and their hybrid (including impact on mortality in marketable fish). In this context, different types of photostimulation are tested primarily. The laboratory is also studying controlled reproduction and quality of gametes after artificial reproduction in tropical ornamental fish species.
2) technology of intensive aquaculture with special regard to use of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) for culture of Eurasian perch, pike-perch, African sharptooth catfish, Nile tilapia, coregonids, sturgeons and salmonids. Areas of interest are including the study of metabolism (oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion in fish), evaluation of growth rate, weight heterogeneity, survival, morphometric parameters and feed conversion ratio for the mentioned species. Experiments are carried out primarily in the context of abiotic factors such as water temperature, oxygen levels, feeding frequency, stocking density, light intensity and photoperiod. Likewise, the growth rate and genetic divergence of different European perch populations in the experimental conditions of intensive culture is studied. The optimization of weaning (habituation of fish from of live food to starter feed), including the ability of usage of enriched live food is the main topic in research on fish larvae. Feeding experiments are carried out on marketable fish, including the evaluating of quality of the final product (i.e. a fillet yield, chemical composition, technological and sensory characteristics of flesh). Besides, the laboratory started to deal with evaluating the influence of the mentioned aspects on immune system activity of cultured fish and carry out experiments aimed at use of alternative feed sources and possible reduction of nutrient emissions (using of insect meal, algal meal, biofloc culture, and various by-products. The laboratory examines also the ethology of intensively reared fish. The different RAS and their technological elements are monitored in terms of energy consumption, water consumption, pollution, suitability to different climatic conditions and culture of various fish species. Using of RAS is supported by their popularization in practice in order to widespread more this technique in the Czech aquaculture.
The laboratory performs commercial feeding trials, or feed additives, including evaluating of feed coefficients provides follow-up tests (hematology, histology, etc.). The laboratory has broodstock of catfishes (Clarias gariepinus and Heterobranchus longifilis) and deliveries advanced fry of this species (or interspecific hybrid) for fish farmers.
In addition, the researchers provide consultancy services (for professionals and practice), education at FFPW USB (including supervising of bachelor's, master's and doctoral theses), and workshops in the above mentioned areas. Members of laboratory provide or participate in teaching of vocational subjects (Tropical Ornamental Aquaculture, Culture of Salmonids, Culture of Warm-water Fishes, Intensive Aquaculture, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, Controlled Reproduction of Fish, Basics of Aquarium Fish Biology) in Czech and English language, including organization of thematic excursions.
The laboratory cooperates with Czech and foreign universities, research institutions, and companies with similar aims, focusing not only on intensive fish farming, but also on designing of equipment for fish farming in recirculation aquaculture systems.
Staff and contacts
