The visual characteristics and quality of cultured gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) in earthen ponds and net cages in Turkey

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the quality differences and visual characteristics between cultured gilthead sea bream obtained from earthen ponds and net cage habitats. No significant differences from obtained in two different habitats are determined cultured gilthead sea bream in terms of chemical and microbiological quality. It has been determined that it is a safe food for consumption since it does not contain pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. that negatively affect food safety. Visual quality differences are distinguished like the skin color, reddish color on the operculum cover, the head shape and the tail transparency from each other. Having unique sensorial characteristics fishes from two different habitats do offer valuable nutrient sources for consumers. Thanks to the controlled aquaculture conditions, safe production of cultured gilthead sea bream is carried out according to food safety in Turkey. Therefore owing to their delicious food source of cultured gilthead sea bream it is preferred for consumption in Turkey and all ower the world. Keywords: Gilthead seabream, breeding, quality, visual characteristics, food safety