All the above mentioned studies bring new findings on the
possibility to influence fish larvae development by light (spectrum,
photoperiod and intensity) manipulation. For European sea bass,
Senegal sole and Atlantic cod larvae the use of red light should be
avoided given that these wavelengths are not efficient in sea water and
that fish clearly perform better under shorter wavelengths (bluegreen).
In addition, care should be taken as constant lighting (or
darkness) could compromise the normal development of fish larvae as
shown in sea bass and sole, increasing the number of functional and
morphological malformations. Once again, further studies integrating
a range of factors (diet, temperature, light, and water quality) are
needed to better understand the causes of deformity in fish. Light
intensity must also be considered and species/stage of development
sensitivities determined.
The mechanism by which light affects larval physiology during
early development remains unclear. Importantly, the possible longterm
consequences of early exposure to unsuitable lighting environments
on the performance of adults (e.g. reproduction) must be
ascertained. The development of flexible lighting platforms that allow
spectral/intensity adjustments in a commercial setting would certainly
help in this respect. Such improvements would reduce product
downgrading and associated economic losses.