The long-established practice of clipping the adipose fin on hatchery-reared salmon may have a modest affect on swimming ability and the survival rate of fish, suggests a new study from the University of Victoria, Canada.
Previous studies by the same author found that, when the adipose fin is removed, the fish needs to use more energy to keep up speed and position, something likely to put the fish at a disadvantage in the ocean, where salmon face numerous survival challenges, ranging from climate change to predation.
The new study, on brown trout, found that the adipose fin is a sensory organ laced with a network of nerves similar to those found in the brain.
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