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Fishes
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Dietary Supplementation in Aquaculture
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Dietary Supplementation in Aquaculture

A special issue of Fishes (ISSN 2410-3888). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Feeding".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 February 2026) | Viewed by 6512

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Neculai Patriche

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Guest Editor
Institute for Research and Development in Aquatic Ecology, Fishing and Aquaculture, 54 Portului Street, 800211 Galati, Romania
Interests: aquaculture; sturgeon technologies; fish farming and engineering technologies; fish pathology; biotechnologies; biodiversity of living aquatic resources—aquaculture technologies; fish nutrition; fish physiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Elena Sîrbu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute for Research and Development in Aquatic Ecology, Fishing and Aquaculture, 54 Portului Street, 800211 Galati, Romania
Interests: aquaculture; aquaculture technologies; fish nutrition; fish physiology; fish diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Aquaculture and the production of aquatic organisms have expanded significantly in recent decades and are considered to be the most rapidly growing agri-food sectors. Aquaculture production worldwide exceeded commercial fisheries production for the first time in 2022, accounting for about 52% of total production volume. The continuous concern for the maintenance of the health of fish and other aquatic organisms useful to people is a major objective of modern aquaculture, and particular attention is focused on the quality of products from intensive aquaculture where farmers must provide the market with a final product following legislation in alignment with European or international standards. For this reason, the need has emerged to identify and develop viable ecological solutions to ensure the biosecurity of farming systems by using probiotic microorganisms or plant bioactive compounds, especially in farming fish species with high economic value. The research studies collected in this Special Issue, performed to obtain information and data of real importance, both at a technical and technological level, will contribute to the development of knowledge in the field at an international level, where many of the issues approached in this research may provide confirmation or new aspects.

Prof. Dr. Neculai Patriche
Dr. Elena Sîrbu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Fishes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nutrition
  • physiology
  • feed additives
  • nutrients
  • biochemistry
  • immunity

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 3826 KB  
Article
Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Selenium-Enriched Lactobacillus plantarum on Growth, Hepatic Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Microbiota of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)
by Chengxu Ruan, Junhao Tang, Xiufang Liu, Junwei Chen, Linxi Cheng and Xucong Lv
Fishes 2026, 11(4), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11040246 - 18 Apr 2026
Viewed by 91
Abstract
This study compared the effects of dietary Lactobacillus plantarum (Lpl) and selenium-enriched L. plantarum (Lpl_se) on the growth, hepatic antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota of juvenile largemouth bass (initial weight 12.50 ± 0.81 g). Following a 58-day trial in an indoor rearing system, [...] Read more.
This study compared the effects of dietary Lactobacillus plantarum (Lpl) and selenium-enriched L. plantarum (Lpl_se) on the growth, hepatic antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota of juvenile largemouth bass (initial weight 12.50 ± 0.81 g). Following a 58-day trial in an indoor rearing system, data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD test. Results showed that both Lpl and Lpl_se significantly improved growth versus the control (Weight Gain Rate: 379.82% and 387.18% vs. 326.56%; p < 0.05). Both supplements significantly elevated hepatic antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH) and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (p < 0.05). Notably, these macroscopic parameters showed no statistical differences between the two probiotic treatments. However, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed distinct metabolic strategies. While both treatments enriched intestinal Lactobacillus, Lpl_se uniquely upregulated energy-harvesting and synthetic pathways (glycolysis and lysine biosynthesis), corroborated by increased intestinal glycogen synthase activity. In conclusion, while selenium enrichment did not further improve macroscopic growth statistically, it differentially modulated the intestinal functional profile towards enhanced carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, presenting an alternative host nutrient assimilation strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplementation in Aquaculture)
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20 pages, 9876 KB  
Article
The Effects of Dietary Tributyrin Supplementation on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Function, and Intestinal Health of Fat Greenling (Hexagrammos otakii)
by Yuepeng Song, Zijun Wei, Xinghao Li, Zheng Zhang, Yong Wang, Jichuan Du, Kewei Wang, Yike Li, Xuejie Li, Dongwei Li, Wei Wang and Yan Chen
Fishes 2026, 11(1), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11010067 - 21 Jan 2026
Viewed by 460
Abstract
The objective of the current research was to evaluate the influence of dietary tributyrin (TB) inclusion on the growth performance and physiological well-being of Hexagrammos otakii. Juvenile fish (initial weight 24.01 ± 1.35 g) were fed one of six isonitrogenous and isolipidic [...] Read more.
The objective of the current research was to evaluate the influence of dietary tributyrin (TB) inclusion on the growth performance and physiological well-being of Hexagrammos otakii. Juvenile fish (initial weight 24.01 ± 1.35 g) were fed one of six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets containing graded levels of TB (0–1.5 g/kg) for 90 days. Supplementation significantly enhanced the weight gain and specific growth rates. The optimal level of 0.9 g/kg TB improved muscle nutritional quality, muscle texture, and intestinal morphology. This dosage also significantly increased hepatic and intestinal antioxidant capacity, elevating superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Furthermore, dietary TB at 0.9 g/kg reduced plasma and hepatic triglycerides and total cholesterol, and elevated key plasma immune parameters, including complement components (C3, C4) and phosphatase activities (ACP, AKP). Intestinal health was further enhanced, as evidenced by increased digestive enzyme activities (amylase, lipase, chymotrypsin) and improved microbial diversity, marked by a proliferation of beneficial bacteria. In conclusion, dietary TB supplementation at 0.9 g/kg optimally promotes growth, improves muscle and intestinal health, and enhances antioxidant and immune functions in H. otakii. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplementation in Aquaculture)
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23 pages, 1045 KB  
Article
Modulatory Role of Oral GHRP-6 in the Immune Response and Digestive Enzyme Function in Juvenile Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) Challenged with Pseudomonas aeruginosa
by Liz Mariam de Armas, Adrian Rodríguez-Gabilondo, Liz Hernández, Ernesto A. Quintana, Alejandro J. Campos, Noelia N. Pérez, Danielle Reyes, Antonio Morales, Osmany Rodrigo, Yaima González, Leandro Rodriguez-Viera, Mario Pablo Estrada and Rebeca Martínez
Fishes 2026, 11(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11010033 - 7 Jan 2026
Viewed by 726
Abstract
Aquaculture has been established as a sustainable alternative to traditional fisheries, which face challenges such as overexploitation and environmental degradation. However, disease outbreaks, often caused by poor farming conditions, pollution, and environmental stress, remain a major concern, leading to economic losses and increasing [...] Read more.
Aquaculture has been established as a sustainable alternative to traditional fisheries, which face challenges such as overexploitation and environmental degradation. However, disease outbreaks, often caused by poor farming conditions, pollution, and environmental stress, remain a major concern, leading to economic losses and increasing the risk of antibiotic resistance due to the overuse of antibiotics. Therefore, it is crucial to seek new strategies that improve fish health and well-being, preventing drug resistance and promoting sustainable practices. GHRP-6, a synthetic growth hormone-releasing peptide that mimics ghrelin, has shown potential immunostimulatory properties and feed efficiency in fish. In this study, we evaluated the effects of orally administered GHRP-6 in an oil-based formulation on juvenile tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) challenged or unchallenged with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We assessed its influence on immune gene expression and digestive enzyme activity. The results demonstrated that GHRP-6 treatment significantly enhanced growth performance (weight and length), reduced in vivo bacterial load after infection, and modulated key genes related to innate and adaptive immunity in the gills, intestine and head kidney. In addition, our results demonstrated, for the first time, a direct link between a growth hormone secretagogue in fish and the modulation of specific enzyme activity in the gut following a bacterial challenge. These findings highlight the potential of GHRP-6 as a dietary immunomodulator and growth promoter in fish farming, offering a promising strategy to reduce antibiotic usage and promote more sustainable aquaculture practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplementation in Aquaculture)
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17 pages, 1111 KB  
Article
Investigating Alternative Larval Feeding Strategies for Cherry Barb (Puntius titteya) Using Feed Attractants and Liquid Artemia Replacement Diets
by Travis G. Knorr, Casey A. Murray, Olivia I. Markham, Brittney D. Lacy, Amy L. Wood, Clayton N. Patmagrian and Matthew A. DiMaggio
Fishes 2025, 10(11), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10110540 - 23 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 759
Abstract
The cherry barb (Puntius titteya) is a staple of the ornamental aquaculture industry, with an estimated 60,000 individuals produced monthly in Florida, USA. On a commercial scale, small improvements in efficiency may yield considerable economic and operational benefits. This study investigated [...] Read more.
The cherry barb (Puntius titteya) is a staple of the ornamental aquaculture industry, with an estimated 60,000 individuals produced monthly in Florida, USA. On a commercial scale, small improvements in efficiency may yield considerable economic and operational benefits. This study investigated first-feeding protocols aimed at reducing the use of live Artemia spp. nauplii by evaluating microdiets (MDs) top-dressed with feed attractants and commercial liquid Artemia replacements (LAs). Larvae were fed MDs top-dressed with 0.25%, 0.50%, or 1.0% of L-alanine, betaine, or L-tryptophan for seven days. Diets with L-alanine and L-tryptophan significantly increased survival compared to the reference diet. A 21-day trial that tested three feed attractants combined into a single diet at previously determined inclusion levels (L-alanine, 0.5%; betaine, 0.25%; and L-tryptophan, 0.25%) showed no additive or synergistic survival benefits. No differences were observed for RNA/DNA ratios at 15 days post-hatch, suggesting no effect on larval quality. Additional experiments were conducted comparing the performance of two commercial LA diets (EZ Artemia Ultra [Zeigler Bros., Inc., Gardners, PA, USA] and LiquaLife® [Cargill Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA]) against live Artemia. Partial Artemia replacement with EZ Artemia Ultra maintained comparable survival to larvae fed only Artemia. Larval growth was significantly reduced in 100% LA groups, suggesting limitations in nutrition or digestibility. These findings demonstrate that targeted use of feed attractants can enhance early rearing outcomes in P. titteya aquaculture, facilitating the goal of reducing Artemia use and increasing production efficiency and hatchery output. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplementation in Aquaculture)
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11 pages, 584 KB  
Article
Effects of Bacillus licheniformis Feeding on the Growth Performance, Blood Parameters and Intestinal Microbiota of Adult Hybrid Sturgeon
by Quansen Xie, Yu Wang, Xinyu Huang, Yiran Liu, Mingjian Yang, Haochun Xing, Caimei Yang, Caihong Hu, Mingzhu Pan and Zhitao Qi
Fishes 2025, 10(5), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10050189 - 22 Apr 2025
Viewed by 2265
Abstract
In this study, we added Bacillus licheniformis to the diet of hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser baerii ♀ Acipenser schrenkii ♂) to determine its effects on growth performance, blood physical and chemical indices and intestinal microflora composition. One hundred and sixty adult hybrid sturgeon [...] Read more.
In this study, we added Bacillus licheniformis to the diet of hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser baerii ♀ Acipenser schrenkii ♂) to determine its effects on growth performance, blood physical and chemical indices and intestinal microflora composition. One hundred and sixty adult hybrid sturgeon were selected and fed with four types of diets (equal nitrogen and fat levels) that were respectively supplemented with 0.00% (control group), 0.10% (Group B), 0.20% (Group C) and 0.40% (Group D) B. licheniformis for 120 days. Results showed that the fish in group C had the highest final body weight, weight gain rate and specific growth rate (p < 0.05). The feed coefficients, crude protein and crude fat of group B, group C and group D were significantly lower than that of group A (p < 0.05). And the crude protein (CP) and crude fat (EE) in groups B, C and D were significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). The serum TC and TG, ALP, ALT, AST and GLU contents in the B. licheniformis-added groups were also significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, Cetobacterium was the dominant bacterial taxon in each group. With increasing the content of B. licheniformis in the diet, the Cetobacterium content decreased and the Plesiomonas content increased correspondingly. Adding B. licheniformis to the diet greatly decreased the abundance of Streptococcus, Candidatus Competibacter and Lactococcus. Our results indicated that appropriately adding (0.20%) B. licheniformis could increase growth, reduce the feed coefficient and increase the diversity of the intestinal microbiota of hybrid sturgeon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplementation in Aquaculture)
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Review

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25 pages, 828 KB  
Review
From Gut to Fillet: Comprehensive Effects of Tenebrio molitor in Fish Nutrition
by Andrada Ihuț, Camelia Răducu, Paul Uiuiu and Camelia Munteanu
Fishes 2025, 10(9), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10090468 - 20 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1397
Abstract
As aquaculture expands, there is a growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly feed ingredients that can replace conventional fish meal while maintaining high biological value and digestibility. The use of fishmeal has contributed to overfishing, making it an increasingly limited and unsustainable [...] Read more.
As aquaculture expands, there is a growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly feed ingredients that can replace conventional fish meal while maintaining high biological value and digestibility. The use of fishmeal has contributed to overfishing, making it an increasingly limited and unsustainable resource. Tenebrio molitor (TM) is emerging as a sustainable alternative to fishmeal (FM) in aquaculture diets, gaining attention due to its balanced protein composition profile and low environmental footprint. This review critically analyses data from the literature on the use of TM meal as a substitute for fish feed ingredient, focusing on its effects on growth performance, physiological status, and histological changes in the digestive and muscular systems. The influence on the physicochemical and sensory quality of fish meat is also evaluated. The discussion highlights both the benefits and possible adverse effects, such as intestinal inflammation or changes that may occur, depending on the replacement level. The paper presents recommendations and strategies to mitigate these effects, including the use of dietary supplements or partial replacement schemes. Overall, this paper emphasises the promising potential of TM as a sustainable alternative to FM in aquaculture feed, while highlighting the need for further research into the long-term effects, involved metabolic pathways, and standardisation of insect meal production. This review provides valuable insight into the physiological changes that may occur, particularly at high inclusion levels. As TM is utilized in both human nutrition and aquaculture diets, monitoring its physiological effects in fish is essential, since any alterations may have implications for human food safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Supplementation in Aquaculture)
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