A 25-year bibliometric analysis of tryptophan research in aquaculture: trends, themes, and opportunities for cannibalism management in Cherax quadricarinatus (Von Martens,1868)

ABSTRACT Tryptophan (Trp) plays a pivotal role in aquaculture as a precursor to serotonin and melatonin, influencing neuroendocrine functions, stress response, and aggression in aquatic species. This study presents a 25-year bibliometric analysis (2000–2024) on tryptophan research in aquaculture, with a particular focus on its potential for cannibalism management in Cherax quadricarinatus . A total of 450 peer-reviewed articles indexed in Scopus were analyzed using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. Results show a peak of 47 documents in 2024, and there are four main thematic clusters were identified: (1) neurophysiology and gut microbiota, (2) aquaculture performance, (3) stress and hormonal regulation, and (4) nutritional supplementation. Despite 53 studies (21.9 %) addressing aggressive behaviour and cannibalism, fewer than 5 % specifically examined freshwater crayfish. The "neurophysiology and behaviour" theme linked to serotonin and behavioural regulation emerges as an underexplored yet promising domain for species-specific research. These findings highlight a clear research gap and suggest promising directions for future investigation, especially in species-specific studies that integrate neuroendocrine modulation, behavioural assessments, and nutritional interventions. The current analysis offers a solid foundation for designing targeted research on functional feed strategies aimed at improving welfare and reducing aggressive behaviour in crustacean aquaculture.