An overview of feeding strategies and challenges in tropical aquaculture

Abstract

Feeding accounts for more than 50% of the operating costs of commercial tropical aquaculture species such as tilapia and shrimp, while costs are difficult to estimate for emerging species, such as snooks and native cichlids, which are still under biotechnological development. Optimizing diets and feeding practices is essential to ensure the profitability and sustainability of the growing aquaculture industry. Specialized diets for critical stages such as reproduction and larval rearing are costly but justified by improved offspring quality and larval growth. However, the lack of specific feeds for emerging species forces the use of generic diets, such as those developed for tilapia or trout, which may not meet optimal nutritional requirements. This approach limits the productive evaluation of these species and, in the long term, the development of specific diets for commercialization. Dietary improvements include new ingredients and technological processes that increase efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact. For example, the inclusion of animal meals has improved the acceptability of diets for carnivorous species. However, the design of feeding protocols remains challenging, particularly for larvae where live feed is common but costly. Genetics and environmental management are determining factors in the production performance of commercial species. In Mexico, the limited genetic acclimatization of imported tilapia has led to challenges such as diseases and stress episodes that affect growth and discourage investment. Integrating biotechnologies such as probiotics and prebiotics has shown benefits in the integrated management of the culture, reducing stress, improving feed efficiency, and reducing environmental impact. It is necessary to emphasize the generation of informed strategies that consider local resources and global information to minimize environmental and social risks and promote responsible and sustainable aquaculture that balances economic, social, and environmental benefits.