Sensory Attributes of Channa striata Through Dietary Supplementation of Selenium and Taurine in Inland Saline Aquaculture

Background: Stress management through a dietary approach is an emerging area in aquaculture which paves the way for sustainable aquaculture. Salinity-induced stress in aquaculture using inland saline groundwater (ISGW) can significantly impact the organoleptic characteristics of the fish. Methods: This study investigates the influence of dietary selenium (Se) and taurine (Tau) enrichment on the organoleptic characteristics of Channa striata reared in ISGW at 12 and 14 ppt salinity. Juvenile C. striata were fed diets consisting different concentrations of Se (0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 mg/kg) and Tau (0, 5, 10 and 15 g/kg) for 150 days at 12 and 14 ppt salinities. Fillet quality was assessed through colour analysis and sensory evaluation. Result: Results indicated that at 12 ppt salinity, Se at 0.3 mg/kg positively enhanced fillet whiteness, texture and flavour intensity, while Tau at 10 g/kg improved muscle firmness and overall acceptability. Increased salinity negatively affected fillet colour and texture, but Se and Tau supplementation mitigated these adverse effects. Sensory evaluation revealed higher appearance, taste and texture scores in Se and Tau-supplemented groups, suggesting improved consumer appeal. These findings highlight the potential of Se and Tau as effective dietary interventions to enhance fillet quality in C. striata reared under saline conditions. The study provides valuable insights for aquaculture sustainability, demonstrating that strategic dietary modifications can optimize fish quality and consumer acceptance in challenging environments.