Copepods play a critical role in aquatic food chains and are a key source of food in aquaculture, so optimizing their culture conditions is essential for their large-scale production. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal culture parameters of the copepod Oithona nana as a function of total population growth and the different stages of its life cycle. To this end, four experiments were carried out in quadruplicate, evaluating the effects of temperature, salinity, photoperiod and optimal microalgal concentration of Isochrysis galbana. Each experiment lasted 15 days. Temperatures of 20, 24, 28 and 32 °C were tested; salinity levels of 20, 25, 30 and 35 PSU; photoperiods of 12L:12D, 16L:8D and 24L:0D; and concentrations of I. galbana of 1 × 10⁴, 5 × 10⁴, 10 × 10⁴, 15 × 10⁴ and 20 × 10⁴ cells/mL. Results indicated that the optimal temperature for the culture of O. nana, with significant differences compared to the other treatments, was 28 ± 1 °C. Regarding salinity, the optimal level for the total development of the population was 25 ± 2 PSU, while to maximize the percentage of copepodites, the most appropriate levels were 30 and 35 PSU. The light-dark regimen of 16L:8D promoted the highest total density of individuals, while 12L:12D and 16L:8D favored development of nauplii and copepodites. Finally, optimal concentrations of I. galbana that generated the highest densities of O. nana at all stages of its life cycle were 15 × 10⁴ and 20 × 10⁴ cells/mL. These findings provide key information for the development of optimized cultures of O. nana, which can improve its availability as a food source in aquaculture systems and favor the success of larval cultures in species of commercial interest.

Aquaculture has grown rapidly worldwide and has become a key source of food and employment opportunities. However, its expansion faces environmental, health, reproductive, and technological challenges that threaten its long-term sustainability. In this context, biologists play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices and integrated management of aquaculture systems. This article reviews their main contributions to animal health, genetic improvement, assisted reproduction, and resource conservation. They also highlight their leadership in applying advanced technologies, including biotechnology, nanotechnology, and genetic engineering. Moreover, this study explores emerging research trends and emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary training to address the evolving demands of the sector. This underscores the need to strengthen collaboration between science, technology, and public policy to ensure sustainable aquaculture. Enhancing the role of biologists is essential for overcoming current challenges and advancing efficient, ethical, and environmentally responsible aquaculture systems that meet global demand.

Octopus mimus aquaculture has gained relevance owing to its commercial potential; however, optimization of its reproductive and growth conditions in captivity requires further study. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive conditioning, morphometric growth, and water quality of this species in a controlled system. To do this, adult O. mimus were selected and kept in circular tanks with controlled temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and salinity. Weight, total length (TL), mantle length (ML), and arm length (AL) measurements were made, in addition to monitoring seawater quality throughout the conditioning cycle. Paralarvae hatching productions were recorded, and Fulton’s condition index (k) was calculated to assess octopus health. The results showed that larger females produced more paralarvae, and that temperature significantly influenced the incubation period. The morphometric relationships between TL, ML, and LA were highly correlated, particularly in females. The seawater quality, with temperatures close to 22 °C, dissolved oxygen between 7.8 and 9.2 mg/L, 7.1–8.0 pH, and salinity around 35.3 PSU, was optimal for the welfare and reproduction of octopuses. This study provides keys to the effective management of O. mimus in aquaculture, with an emphasis on the importance of proper water quality management and the selection of larger broodstock.

This study evaluated the feasibility of culturing Seriola lalandi in a low-cost recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) in an arid region of northern Chile, aiming to establish strategies for broodstock farming and diversify national aquaculture. The system was designed as a low-cost recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) built with locally available materials, such as galvanized corrugated steel panels and flexible plastic liners, instead of specialized aquaculture tanks. Its modular configuration, based on gravity-fed filtration using sedimentation, sand, and disc filters, allows efficient water reuse with minimal energy consumption and a daily water turnover of 12 times the total volume. This design significantly reduced construction and operational costs, making it a feasible option for aquaculture development in arid regions with limited water resources. Over an 8-month period, 46 S. lalandi individuals were used, and the results showed successful physiological adaptation of the specimens to confinement, as evidenced by low mortality, progressive acceptance of formulated feed, and sustained growth. Individual weights progressively increased, with averages ranging from 675 to 1435 g, and the specific growth rate (SGR) fluctuated between 0.14 and 0.43% per day. Fulton’s condition factor (K) remained in an adequate range between 2.4 and 2.8, suggesting good physical condition of the sampled individuals. Water quality within the RAS system was maintained within acceptable parameters, although a strong negative correlation between temperature and dissolved oxygen was recorded (Spearman coefficient = −0.71, p < 0.001), highlighting the importance of monitoring these factors in warm environments. The lack of adequate protocols for the adaptation of marine species in arid areas, such as northern Chile, has limited aquaculture development in these regions. This study addresses this problem by assessing the feasibility of a low-cost recirculating system (RAS) for the cultivation of S. lalandi under conditions of water scarcity, with the aim of diversifying the national aquaculture in arid zones.