Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum ) develop a more robust body shape under organic rearing

Prolonged exposure to captive conditions has led to the development of a rainbow trout‘farmed’ pheno- type, which is different from that of wild trout. Selec- tion for desirable productive traits in hatcherieshas resulted in the development of some morphological traits that are maladaptive in nature. The recent development of organic aquaculture, guided by the well-being of the fish, could potentially produce a new farmed phenotype that would be more adaptive in nature. In this study, rainbow troutreared in intensive and organic farmswere compared by means of shape analysis, to detect patterns of shape variation associated with rearing environment. The results of this study highlight a significant effect of the rearing method on rainbow troutshape: organi- cally reared troutshowed a higher body profile, in particular in the head and trunk regions, shorter median fins and a deeper caudal peduncle. A combined effect of density and habitat complexity could have contributed to the observed shape differences: in organic rearing systems, lower densi- ties and steady water could increase territoriality and aggressive interactions, promoting body designs more functional in rapid attacks and escapes.