Fish Phenomics Research: The History, State-of-the-Art and Challenges

Abstract:

Fish phenomics is the science that systematically studies fish phenotypes at the genomic level. Through the integrated analysis of fish phenotypic characteristics, genomes, and environmental conditions, fish phenomics can decipher the response and adaptation mechanisms of fish to the environment, which could provide valuable information and indicators for fish farming. Combining fish phenomics and genomic analyses has significant potential for increasing the efficiency of fish breeding. Nevertheless, compared with the rapid development of genomics research, the development of fish phenomics is relatively slow. Owing to the aquatic environment, high breeding density, and swimming ability of fish, it is difficult to determine their phenotypes accurately. In addition, with the expansion of the research population, high-throughput and accurate acquisition and analysis of fish phenotypes on a large scale have become more challenging, becoming one of the major bottlenecks hindering fish phenomics research. Recent advances in novel technologies, including sensor technology and artificial intelligence, have provided potential solutions to resolve this bottleneck and improve the efficiency of fish phenotyping by using high-throughput, noninvasive, and accurate methods. This study provides an overview of the history of phenomic research. We then propose strategies, introduce high-throughput phenotyping approaches, and discuss the status quo of fish phenomics research. Finally, we discuss challenges and provide perspectives on fish phenomics research. This review considers fish as the main research object, covers the current mainstream methods and progress in fish phenomics research, and aims to enrich the understanding of fish phenomics research. This review provides aquaculture researchers and fish farmers with updated information and valuable references for subsequent research and practices in fish phenomics.