Work

Effects of algal diet on the growth, body composition, and metabolism of juvenile sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: To develop formulated feed for juvenile sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota and address key bottlenecks in their large-scale cultivation, this study investigated the effects of three algal diets— Ulva sp., Sargassum sp., and Laminaria japonica —used individually or in 1:1 mixtures on the growth performance, fatty acid profile, intestinal immunity, metabolic and digestive enzyme activities, as well as body wall metabolism-related gene expression in juvenile H. leucospilota . Over the 56-day feeding trial, the Sargassum sp. (S) group exhibited the highest growth performance among single-ingredient diets, with the wet weight increasing from 3.02 ± 0.58 g to 20.98 ± 2.35 g, whereas L. japonica (L) yielded the poorest results, reaching a final wet weight of only 8.08 ± 3.50 g. Although L. japonica contained higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), at 39.32 ± 0.17 %, it may also harbor components detrimental to sea cucumber feeding and growth. The combination of Sargassum sp. and Ulva sp. (S+U) achieved the best growth efficiency, with final wet weight reaching 30.15 ± 1.98 g. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of glycolysis-related genes ( HK1 , PKM ) and fatty acid synthesis genes ( ACC , SCD5 ) in both the S+U and L groups, correlating with increased PUFA deposition. Intestinal enzyme activities and antioxidant responses further indicated diet-specific metabolic adaptations. Therefore, we recommend feeding a mixture of Sargassum sp. and Ulva sp. to maximize growth efficiency, and supplementing with L. japonica to enhance PUFA content in H. leucospilota . This study provides a foundational framework for the efficient aquaculture of tropical sea cucumbers. • Juvenile Holothuria leucospilota were fed with different algal diets. • Sargassum sp. had the best attractant effect; Laminaria japonica the worst. • Sargassum sp. + Ulva sp. diet maximizes growth of juvenile H. leucospilota. • L. japonica suppresses growth but enriches body wall PUFAs via SCD5 upregulation. • Intestinal enzyme and antioxidant profiles reflect diet-specific metabolic adaptation.

Source: Aquaculture Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.aqrep.2026.103400

Authors: Dejian Su, Xiuru Zhu, Zirui Li, Qingsong Shu, Hubin Chen, Zonghe Yu

Institution: South China Agricultural University

Language: English

Topic: Echinoderm biology and ecology

Subfield: Aquatic Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,640