New Research Unveils Benefits of Krill in Enhancing Growth and Health of Non-Salmonid Aquaculture Species

Key Findings on Krill’s Impact in Aquaculture – A recent review article in the journal Aquaculture highlights the significant benefits of krill-based ingredients in improving feed intake, health, and growth performance in non-salmonid species. The study, authored by Kiranpreet Kaur from Aker QRILL Company and Dr. Silvia Torrecillas, was conducted with support from the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA).

This comprehensive review explores the effects of krill meal and krill oil on various non-salmonid species such as sea bream, seabass, tilapia, and olive flounder. With the aquaculture industry expanding beyond traditional salmon farming, the authors evaluated how krill ingredients can enhance fish health and growth, particularly in diets that use lower levels of fishmeal and fish oil.

With the increasing push for sustainable seafood and rising pressures on wild fish stocks, the aquaculture sector is on the lookout for effective feed ingredients that strike a balance between performance, cost, and sustainability. Krill has emerged as a promising solution.

Highlights of Krill’s Nutritional Benefits

“Krill meal offers a unique combination of highly digestible protein, phospholipid-bound omega-3 fatty acids, and bioactive compounds like astaxanthin and chitin,” states Dr. Silvia Torrecillas, co-author of the review. “These attributes make it particularly beneficial for marine fish that are sensitive to dietary changes.”

Enhancing Feed Intake and Growth

The review presents robust evidence from multiple studies indicating that krill supplementation significantly boosts feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR). In some experiments, juvenile fish consuming krill meal exhibited growth rates up to 30% faster and FCR improvements of up to 17% compared to control groups. This enhancement is mainly attributed to the palatability and nutrient bioavailability of krill, even at low inclusion levels.

“Across various aquaculture species, we observe notable improvements not only in growth rates but also in protein and lipid efficiency ratios, which are critical for optimizing feed use,” remarks Kiranpreet Kaur, Director R&D Aquaculture at Aker QRILL Company.

Supporting Gut Health and Resilience

Beyond growth performance, krill meal has been shown to enhance gut integrity and liver health, particularly during stress or when diets are low in fishmeal or fish oil. The review emphasizes improved gut morphology, reduced hepatic fat accumulation, and strengthened mucosal protection—functions linked to krill’s phospholipids and omega-3 content. Moreover, various studies suggest increases in immune responses and stress resilience, showcasing higher survival rates under challenging conditions.

“Diets containing krill have been indicated to help fish withstand stressful environments and bolster their immune systems—benefits that are particularly valuable in commercial aquaculture settings,” adds Kaur.

Maintaining Quality and Reproductive Performance

Fillet composition and nutritional content are vital for consumer preferences. This review finds that krill inclusion helps maintain EPA and DHA levels in fish fillets, ensuring these products remain rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, krill supplementation in broodstock diets has demonstrated enhancements in egg quality, hatchability, and larval survival in species like red sea bream and Nile tilapia.

A Small Ingredient with a Significant Impact

As aquaculture expands and diversifies, the findings of this review indicate that krill meal and krill oil can play a crucial role in developing more sustainable and resilient feed formulations for various fish species.

The full article, titled “Review: Impact of krill products on the growth, health, and fillet quality of farmed non-salmonid fish,” authored by Kiranpreet Kaur and Silvia Torrecillas, is available in Aquaculture, volume 608, published on September 30, 2025.