Laboratory of Aquaculture and Marine Ecophysiology

Prof. Dr. Renato Massaaki Honji

Prof. Dr. Renato Massaaki Honji is a researcher in Comparative Fish Physiology, with emphasis on Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Ecotoxicology, and Sustainable Aquaculture. He serves as a Collaborating Researcher in the Department of General Physiology at the Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo (IB-USP), and coordinates the Laboratory of Aquaculture and Marine Ecophysiology (LAQUEFIM). He is also accredited as a permanent faculty member in the Graduate Program in Aquaculture and Sustainable Development (PGADS) at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR).

His scientific trajectory integrates morphological, endocrine, molecular, and behavioral approaches to understand the mechanisms regulating reproduction, development, and physiological plasticity in teleost fishes. His studies contribute to the conservation of threatened species, the improvement of reproductive protocols in captivity, and the assessment of ecotoxicological impacts of environmental contaminants.

He is the author of more than 50 scientific articles published in national and international journals and serves as Guest Editor for Special Issues in the fields of reproductive biology and aquatic ecotoxicology.

Prof. Honji coordinates LAQUEFIM, developing integrated research in Comparative Fish Physiology, organized into four main axes:

1. Reproductive Neuroendocrinology and Comparative Physiology:

Studies on the brain–pituitary–gonadal (BPG) axis, hormonal regulation of gametogenesis, steroidogenesis, sexual differentiation, reproductive plasticity, and interactions between endocrinology and social behavior in teleost fishes.

2. Endocrine and Behavioral Ecotoxicology:

Assessment of the impacts of environmental contaminants (metals, pharmaceuticals, hydrocarbons, and microplastics) on oxidative biomarkers, the neuroendocrine axis, metabolism, social behavior, and reproductive success.

3. Aquaculture, Induced Reproduction and Development:

Investigation of induced reproduction, embryonic and larval development, reproductive management in captivity, and physiological applications aimed at aquaculture production and conservation of threatened species.

4. Nutrition, Lipid Metabolism, and Applied Physiology:

Studies on hepatic metabolism, gene expression related to fatty acids (DHA, EPA, ARA), productive performance, and physiological responses to different dietary compositions and thermal variations.

The group integrates histological, molecular, endocrine, metabolic, and behavioral approaches, promoting a systemic view of teleost fish physiology. Additionally, comparative approaches with aquatic invertebrates are employed to investigate general principles of physiological regulation and adaptive responses to environmental challenges, expanding the evolutionary and ecosystem perspective of the research developed.