Metabolomics reveals how culture cycles affect muscle quality changes in offshore vessel-farmed Larimichthys crocea

Abstract To explore the correlation between culture cycles and quality of offshore vessel-farmed Larimichthys crocea (initial weight: 505.32 ± 35.34 g), this study analyzed muscle quality changes at 0 (TK 0 , control group), 1 (TK 1 ), 2 (TK 2 ), 3 (TK 3 ) and 4 (TK 4 ) months via metabolomics. Extended culture cycles significantly increased body length/depth, caudal peduncle length/depth, springiness and crude protein, but significantly decreased condition factors, adhesiveness and crude lipid, with these traits plateauing at TK 3 ( P < 0.05). Although most parameters showed no significant difference between TK 3 and TK 4 , flavor-related indicators slightly decreased at TK 4 . Culture cycles also significantly regulated muscle amino acid/fatty acid profiles, electronic tongue taste (umami, sweetness) and volatile flavors ( P < 0.05). KEGG analysis indicated that phenotypic variations were closely correlated with alterations in amino acid metabolism and antioxidant-related pathways, with optimal nutritional and flavor performance observed at the TK 3 stage. In short, the 3-month culture stage corresponded to superior muscle nutritional quality and flavor characteristics, which coincided with comprehensive changes in amino acid metabolism and antioxidant-related pathways. This study provides a scientific basis for optimizing culture cycles and promoting the sustainable development of high-quality aquaculture.