Abstract
The large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) is a high-value marine fish, but stress during live transport often leads to physiological disturbance and deterioration of muscle quality. This study investigated the effects of pre-transport temporary rearing at three temperatures (8, 10, and 12 °C) over 48 h on stress response, energy allocation, and muscle quality in this fish species. Temporary rearing at 8 °C induced stronger cold stress, characterised by elevated cortisol, marked lipid mobilisation, late lactate rebound, and greater loss of polyunsaturated fatty acids, indicating enhanced stress–catabolism coupling and higher risk of quality deterioration. In contrast, 12 °C did not sufficiently suppress metabolic turnover, resulting in continuous glycogen depletion, rapid ATP degradation, and accelerated accumulation of bitter-tasting nucleotide metabolites such as hypoxanthine. Among the tested temperatures, 10 °C showed the most coordinated response, with relatively stable endocrine status, moderate substrate utilisation, lower accumulation of undesirable degradation products, and better preservation of texture, water-holding capacity, and flavour-related precursors. These findings suggest that 10 °C is a promising pre-transport temporary rearing temperature for large yellow croakers under the present 48 h experimental conditions. The advantage of this temperature appears to lie in achieving a more favourable balance between metabolic suppression and physiological homeostasis, thereby providing a scientific basis for improving pre-transport rearing management and supporting safer, more stable live transport. Future studies incorporating behavioural and molecular indicators are needed to further clarify the regulatory effects of 10 °C during pre-transport rearing.