Improved growth performance in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss reared at high densities is linked to increased energy retention
Abstract Behaviour has been suggested as an underlying factor influencing how rearing density affects growth performance in Salmonid fishes. At low densities there is an elevated intensity of aggressive interactions and the formation of dominance hierarchies. As density increases, it is commonly assumed that aggression decreases, as the cost and effort required to establish and maintain dominance hierarchies increase. The increased energy expenditure associated with aggressive interactions has been identified as one mechanism causing a reduced efficiency in feed utilisation and therefore decreased growth performance. Manipulating aggressive behaviour through density may have advantages from…