The effect of Spirulina platensis on growth, product quality, gene expression, and the microbiome in different commercially used fish species

The research project investigates the usability of the microalgae Spirulina as an alternative protein source and fish meal substitute in fish nutrition. Three classical salmonid fish species kept in Germany (rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout) and commercially exploited tropical fish species (African catfish and tilapia) will be investigated in terms of growth, product quality, gene expression and microbiome. In this context, it is important to point out differences and similarities between species. The central question is to what extent Spirulina is suitable as a fishmeal substitute for the nutrition of different commercially exploited fish species.