Iodine-enriched rotifers and Artemia prevent goitre in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) larvae reared in a recirculation system

To study the effect of dietary supplementation of iodine in Solea senegalensis, larvae were randomly distributed in six tanks. Larvae in three tanks were given rotifers and Artemia enriched with iodine in addition to Rich Advance or Super Selco from 2 days after hatch (DAH) until 31 DAH. Larvae in a second set of three tanks were fed control rotifers and Artemia, enriched only with Rich Advance or Super Selco. Samples were collected at 2, 5, 10, 15 and 31 DAH to determine dry weight, total length, myotome height and thyroid status. Larvae fed the iodine-enriched diet had significantly higher weight at 31 DAH and higher levels of whole body iodine concentration, compared to control larvae. At 31 DAH, larvae from the control treatment showed typical goitrous thyroid follicles. Thyroid cells of larvae from this treatment appeared columnar or afollicular, with the colloid partly or completely depleted, representative of hyperplasia (goitre). The lower growth rate in fish larvae from the control treatment was possibly a consequence of the hyperplasia, and the iodine enrichment prevented Senegalese sole larvae from developing goitre. This study demonstrates the importance of iodine enrichment of live feed for fish reared in a recirculation system.