Applications of Wolffia in fish nutrition and aquaculture systems

Abstract

Wolffia, the world’s smallest flowering aquatic plant, has emerged as a highly promising and sustainable feed ingredient for aquaculture due to its rapid growth, high protein content (30-45% DW), balanced amino acid profile, and rich bioactive compounds, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its nutritional and functional properties enhance fish growth, feed utilization, immunity, and stress tolerance, making it particularly suitable for herbivorous and omnivorous species such as carp and tilapia. Beyond nutrition, Wolffia contributes to environmental sustainability by improving water quality, absorbing excess nitrogen and phosphorus, supporting carbon sequestration, and enabling integration into bio-floc, recirculating, and integrated aquaculture systems.