Enhancing Guppy Fish Growth with Seaweed Based Feed: Sustainable Solutions for Aquaculture

Introduction

Aquaculture has emerged as one of the fastest-growing food production sectors worldwide, providing nearly half of global fish consumption. In India, innovative research is transforming fish feed practices to improve both productivity and sustainability. One such breakthrough study, “A Study on Potential Feed Sources to Boost Guppy Fish, Poecilia reticulata Productivity explores the use of locally available and cost-effective ingredientsespecially seaweedto enhance guppy fish growth and health.
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Sustainable Feed Development in Aquaculture

Researchers from Annamalai University developed a nutrient-rich feed formulated from soybean meal, groundnut cake, rice bran, corn, and green seaweed (Ulva intestinalis). The team aimed to identify an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to commercial feeds, which typically make up over half of aquaculture’s operational costs.

Key Feed Composition:

• Soybean meal (15 g) – Primary protein source
• Groundnut cake (15 g) and cotton seed cake (10 g) – Plant-based nutrients
• Rice bran (15 g) and wheat bran (10 g) – Energy-rich additives
• Seaweed (Ulva intestinalis, 14 g) – Rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals
• Corn, sesame seed, and potato – Energy and binding agents
• Cod liver oil and vitamins B & E – Enhancing growth and immunity

The formulated feed was tested on guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) across three groups: commercial feed (control), test feed A, and test feed B over a 30-day period.

Results and Key Findings

The study revealed that guppies fed with seaweed-based feed demonstrated significantly better growth rates, color enhancement, and survival percentages compared to those on commercial feed.

• Length gain: Increased up to 2.9 cm compared to 2.3 cm in control.
• Weight gain: Reached 0.47 g compared to 0.31 g in control.
• Seaweed feed improved feed efficiency, boosted protein absorption, and reduced waste output.

A detailed analysis can be found in our main journal article at https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.aac.1001049.

Nutritional and Environmental Advantages

Seaweed, particularly Ulva intestinalis, provides natural carotenoids, dietary fiber, amino acids, and essential minerals such as iodine and iron. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recognizes sustainable aquaculture practices as vital for global food security and environmental protection.

The American Fisheries Society (AFS) also emphasizes integrating alternative plant-based feeds to enhance fish health and minimize environmental stress, aligning with the study’s goals of using seaweed to reduce feed costs and improve sustainability.

By incorporating locally available macroalgae, fish farmers can also improve water quality and create new employment opportunities in coastal regions.

Applications and Future Implications

This innovative feed formulation opens pathways for:

• Sustainable ornamental fish culture and mass breeding.
• Reduced dependency on expensive commercial feeds.
• Improved water quality through natural feed ingredients.
• Empowerment of coastal communities via seaweed utilization.

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