Feed Intake Regulation in Fish: Implications for Aquaculture

Understanding how feed intake is regulated in fish is essential for feeding efficiency in aquaculture. For this regulation, the central nervous system in fish orchestrates behavioral and physiological responses involving homeostatic and hedonic regulatory systems. Knowledge about these mechanisms in fish is variable, and this paper reviews available information following a time frame of processes occurring before, during and after feeding. Furthermore, a comprehensive understanding of feed intake regulation in fish is essential for achieving responsible aquaculture practices since regulation of feed intake goes beyond nutritional considerations, impacting growth, health, and performance. Therefore, available information about the impact on feed intake regulation of inclusion of ingredients, stressors, environmental factors, sexual dimorphism, and ontogeny are also described.