Review on Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Aquaculture: Life Cycle, Growth, Aquaculture Practices and Challenges

Over the years, the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), a prominent species in Mediterranean aquaculture with an increasing production volume and aquafarming technologies, has become an important research focus. The accumulation of knowledge via several studies during the past decades on their functional and biological characteristics has significantly improved the aquacultural aspects, namely their reproductive success, survival, and growth. Despite the remarkable progress in the aquaculture industry, hatchery conditions are still far from ideal, resulting in frequent challenges at the beginning of intensive culture, entailing significant economic losses. Given its increasing importance and the persistent challenges faced in its aquacultural practices, a thorough review is essential to consolidate knowledge, and elucidate the intricate facets concerning its distribution, life cycle, growth dynamics, genetics, aquaculture methodologies, economic dimensions, and the challenges inherent to its cultivation.

Automated summary

The gilthead seabream, as a prominent species in Mediterranean aquaculture, has gained increasing research attention due to its growing production volume and aquafarming technologies. Various studies have contributed to the understanding of its functional and biological characteristics, resulting in improvements in reproductive success, survival, and growth in aquacultural practices. Despite the progress made in the industry, challenges remain in hatchery conditions, leading to significant economic losses during intensive culture initiation. Given the importance of this species and the persistent challenges, a thorough review is necessary to consolidate knowledge and address distribution, life cycle, genetics, aquaculture methodologies, economic dimensions, and cultivation challenges.