| This paper presents a non invasive, rapid and reliable way to quantitatively assess fin erosion in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). The method is based on a visual assessment of fin profile and area loss of all fins except the anterior dorsal, on a scale from 0 to 4 in comparison with a perfect fin. The effects of stocking density (SD) and temperature on fin damage were investigated under experimental conditions (100-250 g fish). Over a 4-month period, mean erosion index (mean erosion level of all fins) was 10 times higher at 120 than at 20 kg m(-3), where most fins were undamaged. Damage was also dependent on time and oxygen concentration (35% lower at 53% O-2 saturation than at 105%). Fin condition was also affected by temperature: mean erosion index was... |
