AN EXPLORATORY SEQUEL OF THE REGULATORY ROLE OF SALINITY IN FRESHWATER FISH

Salinity has a stronger individual effect on organismal performance traits than other stressors, hence it is considered as a potent environmental stressor. Salinity acclimation process forces fish to undergo endocrinological, morphological and biochemical changes This paper would serve to provide a better understanding about the role of salinity in regulating the survival, growth, development, fitness and well-being of freshwater fish. Certain physiological mechanisms of salinity effects which are yet to be understood fully are also mentioned in the paper. The paper reveals that the ‘salinity effect’ could not be subject to generalizations as several factors like genetic make-up, species, strain, life history, nutritional status, size, acclimation time and environmental factors affect the salinity tolerance of fish. The paper gives an insight into the research gaps in the area.