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Stress Physiology and Aquaculture Adaptation of Eleutheronema tetradactylum: A Review

  • Lu Qi 1,2,3,4,†,   
  • Songyuan Liu 1,2,3,4,5,†,   
  • Youjun Ou 1,   
  • Zhenhua Ma 1,2,3,4,6,*

Received: 27 Jan 2026 | Revised: 05 May 2026 | Accepted: 20 May 2026 | Published: 10 Jul 2026

Abstract

The expansion of fourfinger threadfin Eleutheronema tetradactylum aquaculture in southern China is limited by physiological factors. Environmental stress and oxygen requirement can be lethal factors in routine management. This review aims to address the effects of temperature, salinity, ammonia, handling stress, and density on E. tetradactylum. Thermal extremes, particularly low-temperature stress, can impact redox homeostasis and cause metabolic changes. Salinity outside the optimal range of 12–15‰ can increase the energetic cost of osmoregulation and reduce digestive enzyme activity. Ammonia can damage tissues through inflammatory and oxidative pathways, but its effects vary with salinity. Handling and crowding can increase physiological load by activating the hypothalamic–pituitary–interrenal axis and thereby influence immunity and the gut microbial community. These results point to a practical requirement for E. tetradactylum farming. Physiological indicators should be linked with water quality control and multi-omics interpretation to manage stress risk.

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DOI
10.53941/ale.2026.100011
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Volume 2, Issue 3
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Qi, L.; Liu, S.; Ou, Y.; Ma, Z. Stress Physiology and Aquaculture Adaptation of Eleutheronema tetradactylum: A Review. Aquatic Life and Ecosystems 2026, 2 (3), 11. https://doi.org/10.53941/ale.2026.100011.
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