Study on Ferritin Gene Expression to Evaluate the Health of White Leg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Postlarvae Due to Changes in Water Temperature, Salinity, and pH

Abstract

The growth and survival of marine organisms are influenced by environmental factors such as water temperature, salinity, and pH. Unsuitable environmental conditions may negatively impact marine organisms. The white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), a euryhaline organism highly adapted to salinity, is a valuable species for aquaculture. This study examined the effects of water temperature, salinity, and pH on the health of postlarvae L. vannamei. Stress levels within the organisms were analyzed through the expression of a biomarker gene. Ferritin was selected as the biomarker gene for analysis. The experimental animal samples used were the hepatopancreas of L. vannamei postlarvae. The analysis was performed by qRT-PCR. The results showed that the adaptation of L. vannamei postlarvae to temperature was dependent on salinity. Under low-salinity conditions (5 psu), ferritin expression increased at 25 °C and 30 °C after 48 h of exposure; however, it decreased after 72 h of exposure. Under normal salinity conditions (27 psu), ferritin expression increased from 24 h to 72 h at water temperatures of 25 °C and 30 °C. These results indicate that low-salinity conditions may enable L. vannamei postlarvae to rapidly adapt to high temperatures. In conclusion, L. vannamei postlarvae adapt more efficiently to high temperatures under low-salinity conditions than that under high-salinity conditions. The results of this study could beneficially impact L. vannamei farming.