Fish Meal for Aquaculture: How to Use Fish Meal in Shrimp and Fish Feed

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On October 5, 2026

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Quick answer: Fish meal is the most important protein source in aquaculture feed because it is highly digestible, palatable and rich in essential amino acids and omega-3 fats. Shrimp and carnivorous fish feeds typically use the highest levels, while tilapia and catfish feeds use less. For shrimp and fry feed, choose 60–65% protein, low-TVB-N (fresh) fish meal.

Updated October 2026 · NDRG Kokal Enterprise, Sarawak, Malaysia

Key facts

Recommended grade	60–65% crude protein
Freshness indicator	Low TVB-N and histamine
Highest inclusion	Shrimp, marine fish, fry and broodstock feed
Lower inclusion	Tilapia, catfish, carp feed
Key benefits	Digestibility, palatability, omega-3, growth

Why fish meal matters in aquaculture

Fish and shrimp evolved eating other aquatic animals, so marine protein suits their digestion. Fish meal supplies balanced amino acids, phospholipids, omega-3 fatty acids and minerals, and it makes feed attractive so animals eat quickly before pellets break down in water.

Typical fish meal use by species

Species	Fish meal use	Grade
Shrimp (vannamei, tiger)	High, especially starter feeds	60–65% CP
Marine fish (seabass, grouper)	High	60–65% CP
Fry and fingerling feeds	High	65% CP
Tilapia, catfish, carp	Moderate to low	55–60% CP

Exact inclusion is set by your feed formulator and depends on price and the other proteins available.

Choosing fish meal for aqua feed

Higher protein and lower ash for shrimp and fry.
Fresh raw material: low TVB-N and histamine protect animal health.
Fine, even grinding for good pellet quality.
Antioxidant-stabilised to prevent rancidity.

Reducing fish meal cost

Many feed mills replace part of the fish meal with soybean meal, poultry by-product or feather meal, adding amino acids to keep performance. Pellet stability can be improved with tapioca starch.

Frequently asked questions

Why is fish meal used in shrimp feed?

It is highly digestible, rich in essential amino acids and omega-3 fats, and very palatable, which shrimp need for fast growth.

What protein fish meal is best for aquaculture?

60% to 65% crude protein fish meal with low TVB-N is preferred for shrimp, marine fish and fry feeds.

Can soybean meal replace fish meal in fish feed?

Partly. Soybean meal can replace some fish meal, especially for tilapia and catfish, when balanced with amino acids.

Buy fish meal in bulk

Buy in bulk: request a wholesale quote from NDRG Kokal Enterprise, Siburan, Sarawak. Call or WhatsApp +60 13-739 1922 or email info@ndrgkokalenterprise.com.

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