Scientists tested whether tiny selenium particles added to fish food could help a type of fish called mrigala grow better and stay healthier. They fed different groups of fish food with varying amounts of these selenium nanoparticles for 90 days. The results showed that fish receiving a specific amount of selenium nanoparticles grew faster, had better natural defenses against cell damage, and maintained healthy muscle quality. This discovery could help fish farmers raise healthier fish more sustainably, which is important for feeding people around the world while protecting the environment.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether adding tiny selenium particles to fish food would help mrigala fish grow better and develop stronger natural protection against cell damage
  • Who participated: 300 young mrigala fish (each weighing about 7 grams) divided into 15 tanks, with 5 different diet groups tested over 90 days
  • Key finding: Fish that ate food with 1 milligram of selenium nanoparticles per kilogram of food grew significantly faster and had stronger natural defenses against harmful cell damage, with no negative effects on muscle quality
  • What it means for you: This research suggests that adding the right amount of selenium nanoparticles to fish feed could produce healthier, better-quality fish for consumers. However, this is early-stage research on fish, not humans, so more studies are needed before drawing conclusions about health benefits for people who eat this fish

The Research Details

Researchers conducted a controlled experiment where they raised 300 mrigala fish in 15 separate tanks under identical conditions. The only difference between groups was the amount of selenium nanoparticles (tiny particles of selenium) mixed into their food. One group received no selenium nanoparticles (the control group), while other groups received increasing amounts: 0.25, 0.5, 1, or 2 milligrams per kilogram of food. All fish were fed twice daily for 90 days. The scientists then measured how much the fish grew, tested their muscle tissue for nutritional content, and ran blood tests to check their natural defense systems against cell damage.

This type of study is called a controlled experiment because researchers carefully controlled all conditions except for the one variable they wanted to test (the selenium nanoparticles). This design helps prove that any differences between groups were caused by the selenium, not by other factors like temperature or tank conditions.

The researchers used standard scientific methods to measure everything, including official AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) procedures, which are widely accepted testing methods used by scientists worldwide.

This research approach is important because it tests a new technology (selenium nanoparticles) in a real-world farming situation. Fish farming is a major food source globally, but intensive farming can stress fish and make them more vulnerable to disease. By testing whether selenium nanoparticles can strengthen fish naturally, researchers are exploring ways to make fish farming more sustainable and produce healthier food without relying on antibiotics or other chemical treatments.

This study has several strengths: it used a large sample size (300 fish), tested multiple dose levels to find the optimal amount, used standardized testing methods, and measured multiple health markers. However, readers should know that the study was conducted only on one fish species in controlled tank conditions, which may not reflect how these particles would work in natural environments or in other fish species. The study also didn’t track long-term effects beyond 90 days.

What the Results Show

The most important finding was that fish fed food containing 1 milligram of selenium nanoparticles per kilogram showed significantly better growth compared to all other groups. This means these fish got bigger faster, which is important for fish farmers because it means they can harvest fish sooner.

The selenium nanoparticles also boosted the fish’s natural defense systems. Scientists measured two key protective enzymes: SOD and CAT. Fish in the 1 mg group had much higher levels of these protective enzymes (SOD: 5.84 and CAT: 64.29), meaning their bodies were better equipped to fight harmful cell damage. At the same time, a harmful substance called MDA (which indicates cell damage) decreased by 8.5% in these fish, showing that their cells were actually experiencing less damage.

Interestingly, the fish’s muscle composition (the actual nutritional content of the meat) remained healthy and unchanged across all groups. This is important because it means the selenium nanoparticles made the fish healthier without changing the quality of the meat people would eat.

The study found that different amounts of selenium nanoparticles had different effects. The lowest dose (0.25 mg) and highest dose (2 mg) were less effective than the 1 mg dose, suggesting there’s an optimal amount—too little doesn’t help much, and too much isn’t better. The fish’s muscle contained slightly different amounts of moisture, protein, fat, and minerals depending on diet, but these differences were small and not statistically significant, meaning they could have occurred by chance.

This research builds on previous studies showing that selenium is important for fish health and that nanoparticles (extremely tiny particles) can be absorbed better by the body than regular selenium. However, this appears to be one of the first studies specifically testing selenium nanoparticles in mrigala fish, so it fills a gap in scientific knowledge about this particular species and this specific form of selenium.

Several limitations should be considered: First, the study only tested one fish species, so results may not apply to other fish. Second, the experiment lasted only 90 days, so we don’t know if benefits continue longer or if problems might develop over time. Third, the study was conducted in controlled tank conditions, which may not reflect how fish would respond in natural environments or large-scale farms. Fourth, the study didn’t measure whether eating this fish would actually benefit human health—it only measured fish health markers. Finally, the exact mechanism of how selenium nanoparticles work in fish bodies wasn’t fully explained.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, fish farmers may consider adding 1 milligram of selenium nanoparticles per kilogram of fish feed to improve fish growth and health (moderate confidence level). However, this recommendation applies specifically to mrigala fish in controlled farming conditions. Before widespread adoption, more research is needed on long-term effects, cost-effectiveness, and whether benefits hold true in commercial farming settings. Consumers should know this is early-stage research, and more studies are needed to confirm any health benefits from eating fish raised this way.

Fish farmers and aquaculture companies should pay attention to this research as a potential way to improve fish health and growth rates sustainably. Seafood consumers interested in sustainably raised fish may find this relevant. However, people with selenium sensitivities or those taking selenium supplements should not assume this research applies to them, as fish feed additives work differently than human supplements.

In fish, the benefits appeared within 90 days of feeding with selenium nanoparticles. However, if this technology were applied to human food chains, it would take much longer to see any potential health effects—likely months to years of regular consumption—and human studies would be necessary to confirm any benefits.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If tracking fish farm operations: Monitor weekly growth rates (weight gain per fish) and compare against baseline. Track feed conversion ratio (how much feed produces how much fish growth) to measure efficiency improvements from selenium nanoparticle supplementation.
  • For fish farmers using an aquaculture app: Set up a reminder to measure and record fish weight weekly, track feed amounts used daily, and log any health observations. Create alerts when growth rates fall below expected benchmarks to catch problems early.
  • Establish a 90-day baseline measurement period with current feeding practices, then implement selenium nanoparticle supplementation at 1 mg/kg and track the same metrics for another 90 days. Compare growth rates, feed efficiency, and any visible health improvements between periods. Document costs of supplementation versus benefits gained.

This research was conducted on fish in controlled laboratory conditions and has not been tested on humans. The findings apply specifically to mrigala fish and may not apply to other fish species, other animals, or humans. This study does not provide evidence that eating fish raised with selenium nanoparticles will provide health benefits to people. Anyone considering implementing these findings in commercial aquaculture should consult with aquaculture specialists and conduct their own trials. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice from veterinarians or aquaculture experts. Consumers should not attempt to supplement their own diet with selenium nanoparticles without consulting a healthcare provider.