Observation of Agonistic Behavior in Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and Transcriptome Analysis

Abstract

Simple Summary Agonistic behavior plays a crucial role in managing intraspecific competition among crustaceans. To explore the characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of agonistic behavior in L. vannamei, we quantified this behavior using a behavioral observation system and employed RNA-seq methods to characterize differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between aggressive and non-aggressive groups. The results revealed that L. vannamei exhibits nine correlated behavior patterns and the fighting process followed a specific process. Energy metabolism and signal transduction pathways may be key factors influencing agonistic behavior in shrimp. Additionally, the eyestalk may play a crucial role in initiating agonistic behavior. Abstract Agonistic behavior has been identified as a limiting factor in the development of intensive L. vannamei aquaculture. However, the characteristics and molecular mechanisms underlying agonistic behavior in L. vannamei remain unclear. In this study, we quantified agonistic behavior through a behavioral observation system and generated a comprehensive database of eyestalk and brain ganglion tissues obtained from both aggressive and nonaggressive L. vannamei employing transcriptome analysis. The results showed that there were nine behavior patterns in L. vannamei which were correlated, and the fighting followed a specific process. Transcriptome analysis revealed 5083 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in eyestalk and 1239 DEGs in brain ganglion between aggressive and nonaggressive L. vannamei. Moreover, these DEGs were primarily enriched in the pathways related to the energy metabolism process and signal transduction. Specifically, the phototransduction (dme04745) signaling pathway emerges as a potential key pathway for the adjustment of the L. vannamei agonistic behavior. The G protein-coupled receptor kinase 1-like (LOC113809193) was screened out as a significant candidate gene within the phototransduction pathway. Therefore, these findings contribute to an enhanced comprehension of crustacean agonistic behavior and provide a theoretical basis for the selection and breeding of L. vannamei varieties suitable for high-density aquaculture environments.