In vivo assessment of fat composition in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) by real-time ultrasonography and image analysis of subcutaneous fat

In aquaculture, the knowledge of the body composition in live fish, particularly fat content, is important for feeding, reproduction and genetics programs. However, all those programs depend critically on quick, accurate, and above all, non-invasive methods to predict body composition in live fish. Traditionally fish body composition was determined by comparative slaughtering followed by chemical analysis. Comprehensive studies using image techniques such as real time ultrasonography (RTU) show the ability of this technique to predict fish body composition traits. This technique is non-invasive and non-destructive and therefore is very useful for use in vivo for fish body composition examinations. Our present work investigated the ability of RTU and image analysis to predict in vivo fat composition of Solea senegalensis. Through this work monitoring fat variations with time and the possibility of repeated measurements on the same individuals and on a high number of live fish throughout the life-cycle is possible. Therefore our present study has close relevance to aquaculture particularly to nutrition status of farmed fishes.