Phosphorus needs and intake in fish

Abstract

Quantitatively, phosphorous is the major mineral in fish nutrition. Available data for different species of teleosts or crustaceans show that dietary P supply should be between 0.4 and 0.9 % of the diet. The availability of phosphorus from feed ingredients varies between species, depending upon the presence or absence of gastric digestion. Once the requirements are satisfied, a major portion of absorbed P is released through urinary excretion. Our current knowledge on phosphorus flow in fish is rather limited. There is also a need for a greater understanding of the role of dietary phosphorus in the regulation of formation and resorption of skeletal tissues. From the environmental point of view, given the potential adverse effects of excess P in promoting eutrophication of water bodies, there is more than ever, a serious need for optimising dietary supply, improving availability and decreasing excess effluent discharge into the aquatic environment.