Researchers tested whether adding natural plant-based ingredients and beneficial bacteria to fish food could help tilapia grow better and stay healthier when living in water that isn’t cleaned. They fed different groups of fish regular food or food mixed with three types of natural additives at different amounts for three months. Fish that received medium doses of these additives grew faster, survived better, and had stronger immune systems compared to fish eating regular food. This research suggests that these natural food additives might be a practical way to help farmed fish thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether adding natural plant ingredients and good bacteria to fish food helps tilapia grow better and stay healthier when living in water that isn’t changed out regularly
  • Who participated: 320 young tilapia fish (weighing about 50 grams each) divided into four groups living in separate tanks with no water changes for 90 days
  • Key finding: Fish fed medium doses of the natural additives grew about 20-30% better and had stronger immune systems than fish eating regular food, with no significant difference between the medium and higher doses
  • What it means for you: If you raise fish for food or as a hobby, adding these natural ingredients to their diet may help them stay healthier even when you can’t change the water frequently. However, this research was done on one type of fish, so results might differ for other species

The Research Details

Scientists divided 320 young tilapia fish into four equal groups of 80 fish each. One group (the control) received regular fish food in water that was never changed. The other three groups lived in the same unchanged water but ate regular food mixed with three different natural additives: plant extracts (Garlex), immune-boosting ingredients (Superimmune), and beneficial bacteria (Gallipro 200). Each of the three treatment groups received different amounts of these additives—some got low doses, some got medium doses, and some got high doses. The experiment lasted exactly 90 days, and researchers measured how much the fish grew, how many survived, what their bodies were made of, and how strong their immune systems became.

This research design is important because it tests whether natural additives can help fish survive in real-world farming conditions where water quality isn’t perfect. Most fish farms struggle with water quality issues, so finding affordable solutions that work with existing systems is valuable. By testing three different dose levels, the researchers could figure out the best amount to use, which saves money and prevents waste.

This study was published in Scientific Reports, a well-respected science journal. The researchers used a clear control group for comparison and tested multiple dose levels to find the best amount. However, the study only tested one type of fish (tilapia) in one specific environment, so results might not apply to other fish species or different farming setups. The study lasted 90 days, which is long enough to see real effects but might not show what happens over years of use.

What the Results Show

Fish that received medium doses of the natural additives (Group 2) grew the fastest and had the best survival rates. These fish were noticeably larger and healthier than the control group fish eating regular food. Interestingly, fish that received the highest doses (Group 3) didn’t grow any better than Group 2, suggesting that more additive isn’t always better—there’s an optimal amount that works best.

The fish receiving medium doses also showed much stronger immune systems. Researchers measured specific immune proteins in the fish’s blood, and these were significantly higher in the treated groups compared to the control group. This means the fish’s bodies were better equipped to fight off infections and disease.

The fish also had higher levels of natural protective chemicals called antioxidants, which help prevent damage to cells. These included lysozyme (a natural antibacterial protein), superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione—all important for keeping the fish healthy. The body composition of treated fish was also better, meaning they had more muscle and less fat compared to control fish.

Fish in Group 1 (lowest dose) also showed improvements compared to the control group, but not as much as Group 2. This suggests that even small amounts of these additives help, but medium amounts work better. The survival rate (how many fish stayed alive) was highest in Groups 1 and 2, with both groups performing similarly well. This is important because it shows these additives help fish survive stressful conditions.

Previous research has suggested that probiotics and plant-based additives can help fish, but most studies were done in clean water with regular water changes. This study is unique because it tests these additives in the challenging condition of unchanged water, which is more realistic for many fish farms. The results support earlier findings that these natural additives boost immunity and growth, but this is the first study to show they work this well in poor water conditions.

This study only tested one type of fish (Nile tilapia), so we don’t know if the same results would happen with other fish species. The experiment was done in small concrete ponds, which might not exactly match large commercial fish farms. The study lasted 90 days, which is good for seeing short-term effects but doesn’t tell us what happens if fish eat these additives for their entire lives. The researchers didn’t test whether the additives work in different types of water or with different water quality problems. Finally, the study doesn’t explain exactly how these additives work—just that they do work.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, fish farmers should consider adding these natural additives to fish food, particularly at medium doses (200 mg/kg Garlex, 400 mg/kg Superimmune, and 200 mg/kg Gallipro 200). This appears to be a practical and cost-effective way to improve fish health and growth when water quality is poor. Confidence level: Moderate—this works well for tilapia but may need testing for other fish species.

Fish farmers and aquaculture operations should pay attention to this research, especially those who struggle with water quality or can’t change water frequently. Hobbyists with home aquariums might also benefit, though they should test on a small scale first. This research is less relevant for people with well-maintained aquariums or those raising fish in flowing water systems.

Based on this 90-day study, you should expect to see noticeable improvements in fish growth within 4-6 weeks and stronger immune systems within 8-12 weeks. However, these timelines are based on one study, so individual results may vary depending on your specific conditions.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly fish weight measurements and survival rate (number of fish alive) to monitor whether the additives are working. Record water quality parameters like ammonia and nitrate levels to correlate with fish health improvements.
  • Switch to feeding fish food mixed with the recommended additive doses and establish a weekly measurement routine. Set reminders to weigh fish and count survivors every 7 days to track progress over the 90-day period.
  • Create a simple spreadsheet tracking: date, average fish weight, number of fish alive, water quality readings, and any visible health changes. Compare these metrics between your treatment group and a control group (if possible) to see if the additives are making a real difference in your specific setup.

This research was conducted on Nile tilapia in controlled laboratory conditions and may not apply to all fish species or all farming environments. Before making changes to your fish feeding program, consult with a veterinarian or aquaculture specialist familiar with your specific situation. The additives mentioned (Garlex, Superimmune, and Gallipro 200) are commercial products and should be sourced from reputable suppliers. Results may vary based on water conditions, fish species, and other environmental factors. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional advice from aquaculture experts.