Do Shrimp Eat Kelp? A Look at Shrimp Diet and Nutrition

Alexandre Veille says that seaweed has a lot of potential for use in shrimp aquaculture. However, there are still some problems that need to be fixed, such as how consumers feel about it, how competitive the market is, and the fact that not many studies have been done to compare the benefits of different seaweed diets.

Veille, who makes shrimp feeds for Gold Coin Group, thinks that aquafeed companies, aquaculture producers, and consumers are too focused on using microalgae instead of fish oil and are missing the bigger benefits of macroalgae.

“So far, most of the attention in the aquafeed industry has been on microalgae, which are a source of DHA and astaxanthin. But we are looking at other options, mostly Asian macroalgae that are grown locally.” We’re looking at green, brown and red seaweeds – some farmed, some wild harvested,” he explains.

“Producing microalgae is still very expensive. “And why should we focus on growing microalgae in cold places with lamps and heaters, then drying and processing it before sending the finished product to Asia, when we can get macroalgae from beaches or the seas here?” he asks.

“This company is well rooted in Asia. We have contacts, we can make deals,” he adds.

Veille does admit that getting these seaweeds isn’t always easy. China is the biggest supplier, and other countries tend to sell to a few big customers, which makes it harder for new businesses to find reliable suppliers.

Veille is focusing on Ulva and Laminaria species right now, and Gold Coin has been testing these species in a wide range of feeds for over a year, adding them at up to 10 percent by weight.

“They’re mainly used to replace soybean and other plant products in the feeds. Not so much fishmeal, as our feeds contain so little fishmeal these days,” he explains.

Prior to Gold Coin, Veille worked with Olmix – a French seaweed additive provider – for five years. But he now thinks that companies that make aquafeed should see seaweed as a raw material and look into what else they can do with the whole thing.

“People need to realise the value of the whole product in aquaculture, not just the extracts,” he argues.

Veille is careful not to make over-the-top claims about the benefits of seaweed in aquafeeds, but he does think it is better than crops like soy.

“So far, using seaweed instead of soybean meal in shrimp feed has at least worked as well as using regular feeds.” He says, “Using less soybean meal helps bring down the price of the feeds because soybean meal is very expensive right now and has to be shipped in from Latin America, which costs more.”

“One problem with soy is that it can cut down trees, which can cause flooding, damage to the soil, and the loss of biodiversity.” This is affecting Brazil and – in particular – the countries around it. Water use is another potential issue with soy – and other crops such as wheat,” he notes.

Even though Veille is sure that seaweed can be used to feed shrimp, he knows that there are still some problems that need to be fixed before it can be used by more people.

“The limiting factor is the price and availability of some seaweeds. There is enough volume, but most people who grow and process seaweed sell it to humans, where it is used as a raw material to make agar and alginate or nori, which is used in sushi.

Gold Coin makes food for many kinds of animals, not just aquatic ones, and Veille has been keeping an eye on other ways seaweeds could be used.

“There’s been good feedback on the use of seaweeds in fish feeds. It’s also suitable for ruminants [eg cattle] because of their digestive systems. However, it’s too high in fibre for monogastrics [eg pigs and chickens],” he says.

This is what people have said about how well feeds with seaweed work for shrimp that are grown in biofloc systems: It’s what shrimp eat naturally, and the fiber in seaweed is easier for them to digest than the food in plants that grow on land. This leads to better protein efficiency. And we have also seen some improvements in palate performance, using seaweeds,” he notes.

He is less sure about the shrimp’s health benefits, but he is quietly sure that this will also be shown soon.

“It’s too early to calculate. We know that using seaweed certainly has no negative effects. He thinks, “We’ve seen good results in the lab, but we need at least a year to see if there’s a general trend in the prevention of diseases.”

Many of Gold Coin’s 60,000 tonnes of commercial shrimp feeds are made with seaweed, so it will be interesting to see what trends show up over the next 12 months.

In the meantime, Veille welcomes the proliferation of novel ingredients that are emerging in the aquafeeds sector.

“All alternatives are welcome – diversity is key to help balance our feeds. Whether it’s insects, seaweeds, single-cell proteins or yeasts, the more options the better, as each has different properties. But we also need to think about the market: will people be willing to buy vegetarian shrimp?

Itll only take a second and well take you right back to what you were reading. The best part? Its free.

Kelp, a type of large brown algae that grows abundantly along rocky coastlines, serves as an integral part of marine ecosystems. As shrimp forage for food in their ocean habitats, they frequently consume kelp as a nutritious part of their varied diet. Let’s take a closer look at the dietary habits of shrimp and the benefits kelp offers as a supplemental food source.

The Omnivorous Nature of Shrimp

Shrimp are omnivores meaning they eat both plant and animal matter.
Their diet in the wild consists of small invertebrates, algae, phytoplankton, vascular plants and detritus.
As opportunistic feeders, shrimp forage for whatever food sources are readily available in their habitat.
Kelp and other seaweeds make up an important supplemental part of their diet.
Shrimp have adapted mouthparts designed for scraping, biting, and filter feeding to take advantage of diverse food options.
Providing a varied diet supports optimal shrimp health and reproductive capabilities.

Kelp Offers Vital Nutrients for Shrimp

Kelp contains a wealth of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other beneficial nutrients.
It is an excellent source of iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron.
Kelp also provides vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, all of which are vital for shrimp growth and wellness.
The fiber found in kelp supports healthy digestion and nutrient absorption in shrimp.
Antioxidants, including fucoxanthin, further enhance the nutritional value of kelp for shrimp.
Overall, kelp delivers a very nutrient-dense food source to support shrimp development.

Benefits of Kelp for Shrimp Health

Incorporating kelp into a shrimp’s diet offers many advantages:

Provides essential fatty acids for proper cell function and development
Boosts immune system health to fight off disease and infection
Aids in molting processes through mineral content like iodine
Promotes vivid coloration, especially reds and oranges
Supports digestive system function and intestinal health
Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals and toxins
Provides roughage to facilitate regular waste elimination
Enhances overall vitality, energy levels, and longevity

Ways to Offer Kelp to Pet Shrimp

For shrimp keepers looking to replicate a wild, varied diet, kelp can be provided in several forms:

Dry kelp can be crushed into a powder and sprinkled into the tank or attached to feeding dishes.
Raw, fresh kelp leaves can be blanched quickly then chopped into bite-size pieces.
Dried kelp strips, designed for herbivorous fish, make great snacks for shrimp.
Kelp pellets formulated specifically for invertebrates are readily available.
Kelp supplements can simply be stirred into powdered shrimp foods.
Any uneaten fresh kelp should be promptly removed to avoid fouling the water.

Feed Kelp in Moderation

While nutritious, kelp still makes up just part of a balanced shrimp diet. Keep these tips in mind:

Only feed small amounts of kelp 2-3 times per week as a supplement.
Overfeeding kelp can lead to poor water quality and digestive upset.
Combine kelp with high-quality protein sources like fish food, spirulina, and shrimp pellets.
Observe shrimp eating habits carefully and adjust portions to prevent excess waste.
Soak dried kelp first to remove any excess salt before adding to a freshwater tank.
Chop fresh kelp into tiny pieces to prevent shrimp from gorging themselves.

Kelp Handling and Storage Tips

To retain maximum nutritional potency in kelp meant for shrimp:

Store dried kelp in sealed, opaque containers in a cool, dark place.
Refrigerate fresh kelp loosely wrapped in damp paper towels for up to 5 days.
Freeze any excess fresh kelp for later use for up to 3 months. Thaw before feeding.
Avoid direct sunlight exposure which degrades sensitive vitamins like A, B, C, and E.
Check kelp frequently for any mildew, oxidation, or fouling and discard if found.
Punch small holes in plastic bags of dried kelp to allow ventilation and prevent moisture buildup.
Blanching or boiling fresh kelp for 1 minute helps extend storage life slightly.

The Best Kelp for Shrimp Diets

Not all kelps are created equal when it comes to nutritional content. Some excellent options include:

Kombu – High in iodine to support shell formation during molting
Wakame – Rich source of carotenoids for vivid color enhancement
Alaria – Contains ample omega-3 fatty acids for healthy development
Sea Lettuce – Loaded with bioavailable iron, folate, and magnesium
Bladderwrack – Provides a wide array of essential B-complex vitamins

Look for kelp varieties sustainably wild-crafted or farmed to avoid depleting natural ocean resources.

Alternative Algaes Offer Similar Benefits

In addition to kelp, other algaes and seaweeds provide comparable nutritional value:

Dulse – Dense in protein, fluoride, B vitamins, and antioxidants
Irish Moss – Supplies antiviral compounds to boost immunity
Spirulina – High levels of antioxidants, protein, and carotenoids
Chlorella – Rich in vitamins, amino acids, and omega-3s
Nori – Abundant iodine and vitamin C contents

Rotate through a variety of algaes to give shrimp a diverse array of micronutrients.

Observing Shrimp Preferences

When offering new supplemental foods like kelp, make observations on shrimp feeding response:

Note which shrimp approach and consume the kelp first.
Watch for signs of recognition like rapid antennal movements.
Determine if there is crowding around the kelp or avoidance.
Check if the kelp is grasped immediately or cautiously tasted first.
See if shrimp shift to consuming kelp over other foods offered.
Monitor if all shrimp seem to accept the kelp or just select individuals.

Adjusting portions and frequency based on consumption patterns can prevent waste. Noting their preferences helps optimize diet.

Potential Concerns When Feeding Kelp

While kelp offers many benefits, there are a few potential downsides to keep in mind:

Overfeeding can degrade water quality as excess kelp decays.
Contamination with pollutants like heavy metals is possible in some harvesting areas.
Pesticides or herbicides may be used in some farmed kelp operations.
Improper supplements could potentially raise tank salinity.
Some shrimp may be sensitive or even allergic to compounds in kelp.
Inconsistent nutritional value between different kelp varieties.

Stick to reputable kelp sources and feed in conservative amounts to avoid issues.

Kelp as Part of a Balanced Shrimp Diet

At the end of the day, kelp should be just one component of a well-rounded diet optimized for shrimp health. Be sure to also offer:

High-quality protein from foods like shrimp pellets or fish flakes
Complex carbohydrates from blanched vegetables and biofilms
Vitamin-rich foods like spirulina and chlorella
Calcium sources such as blanched spinach or kale
Fiber from vegetables, wood, and almond leaves
Probiotics and prebiotics to support digestive health

The right balance of natural foods, supplemented with kelp 2-3 times per week, gives shrimp the best chance of thriving. Carefully observing their feeding response allows tweaking the diet to their preferences. Harness the nutritional power of kelp as part of a varied shrimp diet.

do shrimp eat kelp

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Do Prawns eat kelp?

Prawns are a type of shellfish that live in marine environments. They are a popular food source for humans and are also known to eat kelp. Prawns use their claws to break off pieces of kelp, which they then consume. Kelp is a good source of nutrients for prawns and helps them grow and thrive. 10. Scud

Is shrimp healthy to eat?

Shrimp is very healthy to eat, unless you have an allergy to shellfish. Shrimp is great because it is a low calorie, high protein food that is relatively inexpensive. Shrimp is also very versatile, so there are many recipes out there, meaning that you can eat shrimp multiple times a week each time in a different way. Don’t make shrimp your only protein source, because a healthy diet is also a varied diet.

Do fish eat kelp?

From the giant sea bass to the rockfish and sheephead, fish eat kelp too, these species demonstrate the diversity and adaptability of marine life in utilizing kelp as a valuable nutritional resource. Kelp, a large brown seaweed, predominantly thrives in shallow saltwater near coastal areas globally.

Can you eat seaweed and kelp?

Seaweed and kelp can be easily introduced into your diet with recipes you might already have on hand. For instance, you can now purchase seaweed pasta for your favorite pasta dish, kelp noodles for an Asian inspired dish, or even as a sauce on top of your favorite salmon fillet.