Light plays a fundamental role in the behaviour, physiology, and growth performance of freshwater fish species. In aquaculture, manipulating light conditions can significantly influence feeding activity, reproduction, stress response, and overall productivity. This study reviews and compares the effects of light intensity, photoperiod, and spectral composition on the production of key species cultivated in Central and Eastern Europe: common carp (Cyprinus carpio ), Chinese carps (e.g., Hypophthalmichthys molitrix , Ctenopharyngodon idella), northern pike (Esox lucius ), pikeperch ( Sander lucioperca), and European wels (Silurus glanis).
Carp and Chinese carps show adaptive responses to natural light cycles, but extended daylight hours under controlled conditions have been shown to improve feed intake and growth in juvenile stages. Pike and pikeperch , both predatory species with more sensitive visual systems, require carefully managed low-light environments during larviculture to reduce cannibalism and optimize survival. Light colour (e.g., blue or green wavelengths) can further affect their behaviour and feeding success.
European wels, a nocturnal benthic predator, is especially sensitive to light intensity. Dimming light or maintaining dark conditions during rearing improves welfare and reduces stress-induced aggression. Tailoring light regimes in hatchery and grow-out phases is therefore critical to meet species-specific needs.
Understanding the species-specific light preferences and tolerances offers practical benefits for optimizing production protocols, especially in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and hatcheries. Future research should focus on integrating smart lighting technologies with precision aquaculture to improve fish welfare and yield across diverse freshwater species.
The work was supported by MAHOP_PLUSZ-1.2.1-24-2024-00001 project.