Aquaculture stands as a fundamental pillar for global food security, yet its rapid expansion faces critical challenges: the scarcity of natural resources, environmental impact, and the need to enhance the nutritional quality of its products. In this context, a revolutionary discipline emerges: nutrigenomics, a field dedicated to studying the profound relationship between nutrition and gene expression in fish.
This science not only promises to optimize production but also opens the door to a more precise, efficient, and sustainable form of aquaculture. By understanding how nutrients “dialogue” with the DNA of aquatic species, we can design feeding strategies that improve growth, bolster disease resistance, and yield higher-quality food for the consumer.
Researchers from the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K)-Rangil, the ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, and the Animal Science University have published a study exploring the challenges of fish nutrition from a genetic perspective. Their work provides an evidence-based review of recent advancements in nutrigenomics and its potential relevance for sustainable aquaculture.
Key takeaways
- Nutrigenomics investigates how diet interacts with the genes of fish to optimize their growth, health, and efficiency.
- It enables the formulation of customized diets, reducing dependence on fishmeal and fish oil by utilizing alternative ingredients.
- Tools such as RNA sequencing and CRISPR are pivotal for identifying genes related to metabolism and disease resistance.
- This discipline not only enhances productivity but also enriches the nutritional value of fish for human consumption, such as by increasing omega-3 fatty acid content.
- Despite its potential, it faces challenges, including the high cost of technology and the need for qualified personnel to interpret genomic data.
What exactly is nutrigenomics in fish?
Nutrigenomics is the field that investigates how dietary components modulate gene expression, directly affecting an organism’s metabolism, health, and development. When applied to aquaculture, it allows us to understand at a molecular level why a species responds in a particular way to a specific feed.
This goes beyond traditional nutrition. Instead of offering a standard diet, nutrigenomics seeks to create personalized formulations that align with the genetic map of each species. The objective is multifaceted:
- To improve feed efficiency and the overall health of the fish.
- To reduce reliance on limited marine resources like fishmeal and fish oil.
- To increase the nutritional value of aquaculture products, for instance, by boosting the content of omega-3 fatty acids.
Genomic tools: The technology behind precision nutrition
The advancement of nutrigenomics has been driven by powerful genomic tools that allow us to “read” and understand the genetic code of fish. Technologies like RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) enable us to observe which genes are “turned on” or “off” in response to different diets, thereby revealing key metabolic pathways.
Furthermore, gene-editing tools like CRISPR offer the ability to precisely manipulate specific genes associated with feed efficiency, stress tolerance, or disease resistance, thus accelerating functional research. Together with proteomics and metabolomics, these technologies provide a comprehensive view of how diet affects fish physiology at an unprecedented level.
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Key applications for sustainable aquaculture
Nutrigenomics is not merely theoretical; its practical applications are already transforming the industry.
Genetic selection for enhanced feed efficiency
Identifying the genes and genetic markers responsible for efficient feed conversion is one of the greatest achievements of nutrigenomics. This enables selective breeding programs to develop fish lines that achieve greater growth with less feed. The result is a significant reduction in production costs and, crucially, a lower output of waste, thereby diminishing the environmental impact of aquaculture operations.
Optimized diets and the end of fishmeal dependency
Understanding the genetic response of fish to alternative ingredients, such as plant proteins or insect meal, is vital for reducing dependence on fishmeal and fish oil. Studies on species like tilapia and carp have shown that plant-based diets, formulated with nutrigenomic insights, can maintain optimal growth rates and efficiency.
Naturally strengthening disease resistance
Nutrition plays a critical role in the immune system of fish. Nutrigenomics allows us to identify how certain ingredients or additives (e.g., probiotics, prebiotics) can modulate the expression of immunity-related genes. This leads to the development of functional feeds that strengthen the natural defenses of fish, improving their resistance to pathogens and reducing the need for antibiotics and other chemical treatments.
Precision nutrition in early life stages: Larviculture
Nutrition during larval rearing is critical for production success. Nutrigenomics helps formulate microdiets that meet the exact requirements of these vulnerable stages. For instance, studies have revealed how excess lipids in the diet can activate oxidative stress genes and negatively affect larval growth and survival, prompting precise adjustments in feed formulation.
Improving the value of fish for human health
The benefits of nutrigenomics extend to the end consumer by enhancing product quality and safety.
Enrichment with omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are essential for human cardiovascular and cognitive health. Nutrigenomics allows for the identification and control of genes responsible for the synthesis of these fatty acids in fish. This opens up the possibility of farming fish with naturally higher levels of omega-3s, offering a healthier and more valuable product to the market.
Reducing contaminants and enhancing food safety
A growing concern in aquaculture is the bioaccumulation of contaminants. Nutrigenomics can help identify genes involved in detoxification processes. This could enable the development of fish strains with a reduced capacity to accumulate these substances, ensuring a safer final product that complies with strict food safety regulations.
Challenges and the path forward
Despite its enormous potential, the large-scale implementation of nutrigenomics faces obstacles. The high costs of genomic technologies and the need for highly skilled bioinformaticians to analyze the massive amounts of generated data are significant barriers, particularly in developing countries. Furthermore, ethical and public perception issues surrounding genetically modified organisms must be addressed with transparency.
Conclusion
Nutrigenomics in fish represents a paradigm shift for aquaculture. By deciphering the molecular dialogue between diet and genes, this science provides us with the tools to build a more efficient, economically viable, and environmentally responsible industry. From formulating precision diets to enhancing the nutritional value of the final product, nutrigenomics is key to addressing the global challenges of sustainability and food security, ensuring that aquaculture continues to be a vital source of healthy food for the future.
Contact
Gowhar Iqbal
ICAR- Central Institute of Fisheries Education
Panch Marg, Yari Road, Mumbai, 400061, India
Email: drgowhariqbal@gmail.com
Reference (open access)
Iqbal, G., Wani, M.N., Piyushbhai, M.K. et al. Fish nutrigenomics: unravelling the genetic code for sustainable aquaculture and improved nutritional benefits. Blue Biotechnol. 2, 19 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s44315-025-00043-9
Editor at the digital magazine AquaHoy. He holds a degree in Aquaculture Biology from the National University of Santa (UNS) and a Master’s degree in Science and Innovation Management from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, with postgraduate diplomas in Business Innovation and Innovation Management. He possesses extensive experience in the aquaculture and fisheries sector, having led the Fisheries Innovation Unit of the National Program for Innovation in Fisheries and Aquaculture (PNIPA). He has served as a senior consultant in technology watch, an innovation project formulator and advisor, and a lecturer at UNS. He is a member of the Peruvian College of Biologists and was recognized by the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) in 2016 for his contribution to aquaculture.
