Physiological Adaptations and Stress Responses of Juvenile Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) in Aquaculture: An Integrative Review

Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) is a fast-growing, economically valuable pelagic species with increasing potential for aquaculture. However, its high metabolic demands and sensitivity to environmental fluctuations pose significant challenges for closed-cycle cultivation. This review synthesizes a series of recent studies conducted by our research team on the physiological responses and of juvenile yellowfin tuna under key aquaculture-relevant stressors, including thermal fluctuation, hyposalinity, ammonia nitrogen accumulation, and seawater acidification. We detail the mechanisms of oxidative stress, immunometabolic dysfunction, and osmoregulatory disruption across stress conditions, highlighting tissue-specific antioxidant responses, enzyme activity modulation, and microbiota remodeling. Collectively, these physiological responses underscore both the adaptability and vulnerability of yellowfin tuna juveniles in dynamic aquaculture environments. The insights gained from this integrative assessment provide a scientific foundation for optimizing environmental management, nutritional strategies, and system design in yellowfin tuna aquaculture. By aligning culture conditions with the physiological capacities of the species, these findings contribute to improving health, performance, and the long-term sustainability of yellowfin tuna farming operations.