Laboratory of Aquaculture and Marine Ecophysiology

Integrative Neuroendocrinology of Fish Reproduction • Applications in Aquaculture • Ecotoxicology •

Biodiversity • Conservation • Sustainability

Home

Team

Research

Publications

Outreach

Contact

Presentation

The Laboratory of Aquaculture and Marine Ecophysiology (LAQUEFIM) conducts research in Comparative Fish Physiology, with emphasis on Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Ecotoxicology, and Applications in Aquaculture.

Our investigations integrate morphological, endocrine, molecular, and behavioral approaches to understand the mechanisms that regulate reproduction, development, and physiological plasticity in teleost fishes, both in natural environments and under farming conditions.

The laboratory is structured around four main research lines: (i) Reproductive Neuroendocrinology and Comparative Physiology, focusing on the brain–pituitary–gonadal axis and its regulatory mechanisms; (ii) Endocrine and Behavioral Ecotoxicology, investigating the effects of environmental contaminants on physiological biomarkers and behavioral performance; (iii) Aquaculture, Induced Reproduction and Development, aimed at applying reproductive physiology in captivity and improving sustainable production protocols; and (iv) Nutrition, Lipid Metabolism and Applied Physiology, exploring metabolic regulation and the nutritional impacts on growth, reproduction, and energy homeostasis.

LAQUEFIM also contributes to the conservation of threatened species and to the development of reproductive management strategies in captivity, integrating basic and applied science with a focus on innovation and sustainability.

News (For older news, click here)

Guest Editor – Special Issue in Ecotoxicological Effects of Contaminants on Aquatic Organisms

View the Special Issue (Link) - Open

Guest Editor – Special Issue in Fish Reproductive Biology and Embryogenesis

View the Special Issue (Link) - Open (Extended deadline)

Guest Editor – Special Issue in Reproduction and Development in Fish: Solving Bottlenecks in Modern Aquaculture

View the Special Issue (Link) - Completed

Editorial - Completed (Link)

Featured Research – 2026

Sustainable nutrition for cobia (Rachycentron canadum)

The search for more sustainable aquaculture requires alternatives to fish oil in aquafeeds. In this study, we evaluated the replacement of fish oil with soybean oil supplemented with essential fatty acids in juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum). The results demonstrated that fish oil-free diets, when properly supplemented with LC-PUFAs, maintained growth and productive performance while promoting positive changes in lipid metabolism and DHA deposition in tissues. Overall, the study highlights the potential of sustainable nutritional strategies for marine aquaculture, reducing dependence on marine-derived ingredients without compromising fish quality.

[Access the Article]

Featured Research – 2026

Embryonic development of the threatened Neotropical fish Prochilodus vimboides.

This study provides a detailed description of the embryonic and early larval development of Prochilodus vimboides, a threatened freshwater species from the Paraíba do Sul River Basin. Through hormonally induced reproduction under controlled conditions, developmental events were documented from fertilization to hatching, including cleavage, gastrulation, and organogenesis stages. The results establish a precise embryological timeline for the species, providing essential information to improve captive breeding protocols, larval production, and conservation strategies.

[Access the Article]

Featured Research – 2026

Behavioral and Physiological Impacts of Phenanthrene in Juvenile Epinephelus marginatus.

This study demonstrated that acute exposure to phenanthrene (PAH) induces significant behavioral alterations, activation of the stress axis, and oxidative damage in juvenile dusky grouper. The results provide integrated evidence of neurobehavioral and physiological disruption, with implications for conservation and environmental risk assessment.

[Access the Article]