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Marine Fish Nutrition (page 1)
There are four main elements in a fish's diet; proteins (chains of amino acids), carbohydrates,
lipids (fats) and vitamins, which are important for both growth and an energy source.
Proteins: These are composed of amino acids, the only problem is that the amount of each type required varies from species and excessive amounts can be detrimental to a fish's health. Missing amino acids can result in scoliosis (curvature of the spine) in fish. Proteins are very important in the growth of fish and research has shown that if certain proteins are lacking, then growth will be stunted. In the wild, omnivorous fish normally feed on abundant live organisms, rich in proteins which provide a valuable energy source. However, many commercial foods lack abundant protein since it is expensive and the fish use a lot of energy to break down large, complex proteins. As a result, carbohydrates and lipids are substituted as energy sources. Carbohydrates: Found primarily in plants which carnivorous fish have problems digesting (herbivorous fish have symbiotic bacteria in their guts which digest the carbohydrates). Lipids: Which are found in both plant and animal tissues, and are completely digestible. Many Lipids provide more energy than do carbohydrates and they also supply fatty acids which are used for the construction of energy reserves in fish. The importance of protein and lipids as energy sources becomes quite apparent during periods of starvation. The quantities of both proteins and lipids are significantly reduced in starved fish. |
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