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In aquaculture, live food or natural food refers to organisms that are used as a source of food for cultured aquatic organisms, such as fish larvae, shrimp, or mollusks. These include all plants (phytoplankton) and animal (zooplankton) and generally phytoplankton eaten by zooplankton and also grazed by economically important fishes. These organisms are typically living or freshly harvested and provide essential nutrients and energy for the cultured species. Live food plays a important role during the early stages of development when the organisms have specific nutritional requirements and are typically easier for fish larvae to digest compared to formulated feeds. The small size and soft texture of live organisms make them more accessible and better suited for the early-stage mouth structures and digestive systems of fish larvae. Live food organisms used in aquaculture can vary depending on the species being cultured, but they generally include planktonic organisms, small invertebrates, and microorganisms.

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Artemia is a type of brine prawns that is a good source of vital amino acids. A special place in the aquaculture sector has been allocated to an exceptional live feed for freshly hatched fish as well as prawn larvae. It can thrive in brackish water as well as natural seawater, highly salinized water, and high salinity water. It is widely dispersed all across the planet. The most significant organism in live feed is artemia. All of its life stages are used as food for various phases of a living thing’s cultured development. When submerged in sea water, the animal’s eggs can develop small naupIii approximately 24 hours as well as can remain viable in the form of dry cyst for a long time. It is extensively dispersed, with more than 50 varieties having been identified thus far across around 300 different natural biotopes dispersed throughout the five continents. Artemia are continuously feeding non-selective filtering organisms. The live Artemia can ingest everything with the appropriate particle size (10–50 microns). So, over many hours of bioencapsulation or bioenrichment, Artemia species can effectively provide food elements or nourishment to the fish.

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Microscopic, single-celled organisms called protozoa include ciliates. The class Ciliata, or “infusoria,” comprising microscopic single-celled animalcules, falls within the phylum Protozoa of the living world. Infusorian microorganisms live in freshwater, brackish, and marine ecosystems with decomposing weeds, degrading organic materials, and foul-smelling detritus. In aquatic environments, protozoa are essential components of microbial food networks. Different media, including lettuce leaves, cabbage leaves, and banana peelings, are used to represent Infusoria cultivation. Protozoa play a crucial role in the beginning nutrition for aquaculture seed production as live feed. Enhancing fish productivity in the aquaculture sector requires a straightforward and efficient culturing process. Infusoria is widely employed as the only source of food during the initial phases of fish growth and development, whether in freshwater or marine environments, prior fish larvae begin to consume copepods and become the most promising candidates for mass production.

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In intensive aquaculture, one of the best live feeds used is tubificid worms (Tubificidae), which are fed to specific fish larvae in order to generate stockable-sized seeds in hatching facilities and in the production of aquarium/ornamental fishes. Due to their excellent nutritional value, sludgeworms have been identified as one of those most crucial live meals for freshwater aquaculture. Tubifex is easily produced on a large scale in ponds mud with a bottom layer that is 50 to 75 mm deep, mixed with decomposing plant materials, and then bred. A sufficient channel for drainage and a steady flow of mild water must be kept inside the container. The tubificid stages of life are essential for finding solutions to issues with ecosystem freshwater cleaning as well as biological productiveness measurement. Sludge worms (Tubifex sp.) are among the greatest options for aquaculture feed. Protein is necessary for sludge worm growth. Tubifex worm is frequently used to feed several kinds of ornamental fish. Due of their considerable caloric value, tubifex worms are a vital component of freshwater intensive aquaculture diets all over the world.

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Microalgae are a kind of quickly expanding microscopic unicellular or straightforward multicellular plant-like creatures. The tiny cell size of algae and its connection with various epiphytic species make it difficult to isolate microalgae for growth. Microalgae are microorganisms that can flourish in aquatic settings and produce biomass by utilising sunlight and carbon dioxide. Stock cultures are maintained on hand to use as a starting point and as a supply of “clean” algae when the mass tanks culture. Microalgae are typically cultivated to the late-logarithmic development phase with levels of protein (30–40%), carbohydrate (5–15%) and lipid (10–20%). Lipids and fatty acids are found in microalgae as sources of energy, metabolites, or storage products, as well as parts of the membranes. Iodine and algin are components of brown algae. Agar jelly, a component of ice cream and culture media, is made from certain red algae. In both freshwater and marine ecosystems, green algae, or chlorophyta, are the main sources of nourishment and the bottom of the aquatic ecosystem’s food web. These algae are essential for the aquaculture of fish, mollusks, prawns, as well as oysters in marine and coastal environments. The generation of single cell proteins for human consumption had received the majority of focus in the beginning.

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Earthworms (phylum Annelida, class Oligochaeta) are highly beneficial organisms in various fields, including agriculture, vermiculture, and waste management. The successful culture of earthworms requires appropriate techniques that address their environmental, nutritional, and reproductive needs. This chapter provides an overview of the culture techniques used for earthworms, focusing on their housing, feeding, and reproduction requirements. Culture techniques for earthworms involve creating suitable housing environments, providing nutrient-rich feed, and ensuring optimal conditions for reproduction. Earthworms thrive when housed in containers or beds with proper moisture levels, aeration, and insulation. Feeding them a balanced diet of organic waste materials supports their growth and well-being. Reproduction is facilitated by maintaining appropriate moisture, temperature, and providing adequate food and bedding materials. Regular monitoring and control of environmental parameters are necessary for successful earthworm culture. Implementing these techniques allows for the effective use of earthworms in various applications, such as agriculture and waste management, contributing to sustainable practices and environmental conservation.

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Bloodworms, or chironomid larvae, are a natural source of nutrition for freshwater fish. Some of the micro-worms form staple food for the post-larvae, juveniles, adults and brood stock of finfish and shellfish. Diverse species of so-called bloodworms, or chironomid larvae (Diptera: Chironomidae), are found in large numbers in the sediments of many different types of freshwater habitats and are regarded as an essential source of food for fish. Chironomidae is a family of flies belonging to the order Diptera and is found worldwide. These insects are often referred to as non-biting midges or simply chironomids. While they may bear some resemblance to mosquitoes, they can be distinguished by the absence of wing scales and their elongated mouthparts, which are not adapted for piercing and sucking blood. Most aquatic and semiaquatic habitats contain chironomid larvae, which are vital sources of food for both vertebrates and invertebrates. Among the micro-worms Tubifex and Chironomid larvae are commonly used as live food for the maintenance of ornamental fishes and larvae and post-larvae of freshwater prawns.

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Brachionus calyciflorus is a starter food for most freshwater fish larval stages. Rotifers are also referred to as “wheel animalcules”. Rotifers can be found in the tidal zones along the seashore, brackish water channels, pools, and ponds where they naturally occur. The main source of nutrition for the majority of farmed rotifers is microalgae. The biology of rotifers must be understood in order to be conversant with the manipulative techniques used to promote their development and reproduction. Monogonont rotifers have cyclical parthenogenesis, which is characterised by the alternation of parthenogenetic and bisexual forms of reproduction during population growth. In this life cycle, amictic females frequently reproduce parthenogenetically. A portion of the culture’s volume is taken out with this approach each day and replaced with an equal proportion of fresh culture media, offering a less technical but no less effective substitute for the continuous culture method. Weekly replacement of the algae tanks and ponds is crucial. Rotifers are a crucial component of freshwater zooplankton, serving as a primary food supply and helping to the degradation of soil organic waste in numerous species.

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One of the finest studied ecological model animals up to this point is the genus Daphnia, which includes water fleas. Planktonic crustaceans called daphnia have cyclical parthenogenetic life cycles. They live in standing freshwater and brackish water bodies, ranging in size from small temporary pools to enormous lakes, and are found almost everywhere. Daphnia magna is a highly nutrient-dense live meal with a protein content of 45–70% and a fat content of 11–27%. They are typical water fleas or tiny planktonic cladocerans (adult length 1.5–5.0 mm) from the family Daphniidae. Fish and shellfish larvae may swim in the water column and continually access live meals. Due to its parthenogenetic life cycle and ability to reproduce both asexually and sexually, D. magna exhibits heterogenic reproduction. The availability of sufficient live food for feeding fish larvae, fry, and fingerlings is a key factor in the hatchery’s capacity to successfully produce fish fingerlings for stocking in the grow-out production method. The creation of straightforward procedures and techniques for producing native Cladocerans can enhance hatchery management, lower production costs, and boost the operation’s profit margin.

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Moina culture techniques are essential for providing a sustainable and nutritious live food source for ornamental fish. Moina, also known as water fleas, are small crustaceans that offer several benefits for fish health and growth. The culture of Moina involves creating suitable environments, providing adequate nutrition, and implementing effective reproduction strategies. Moina culture techniques involve creating suitable environments, providing proper nutrition, implementing effective reproductive strategies, and maintaining water quality. Culturing Moina offers numerous benefits for ornamental fish, including a sustainable live food source that supports their health and growth. Incorporating Moina into the feeding regimen of ornamental fish contributes to their overall well-being and enhances their natural diet. Moina micrura, a cyclical parthenogenetic cladoceran with significant morphological and ecological plasticity, lives around the world in temperate, tropical and subtropical climates. Cladoceran sexual reproduction is a phenomenon that is primarily linked to unfavorable circumstances, such as overcrowding. One of the greatest live feeding organisms for raising the young larval stages of fish and prawn is the cladoceran species Moina micrura.

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Cyclops culture is an important technique for providing a nutritious live food source for ornamental fish. Cyclops, small crustaceans, offer several advantages for fish health and growth. The culture of Cyclops involves creating suitable environments, providing proper nutrition, and implementing effective reproduction strategies. To culture Cyclops, appropriate containers such as aquariums or tanks are used, filled with water that meets their specific requirements. Maintaining optimal water parameters, including temperature, pH, and oxygen levels, is crucial for their survival and reproduction. Cyclops culture techniques involve creating suitable environments, providing proper nutrition, implementing effective reproductive strategies, and maintaining water quality. Culturing Cyclops offers numerous benefits for ornamental fish, including a nutritious live food source that enhances their health, growth, and coloration. Incorporating Cyclops into the feeding regimen of ornamental fish contributes to their overall well-being and provides a natural and balanced diet.

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The fairy shrimps are attractive, nearly ethereal creatures that frequently swim in dark clouds beneath the rain- or sun-splashed surfaces of ephemeral puddles. Branchinecta orientalis, a species of fairy shrimp that lives in seasonal pools, is a non-selective filtered hopper that feeds on plankton as well as suspended debris. They were found in both temperate and tropical regions of the planet, which is remarkable. They acquire the capacity for rapid growth, large reproduction, and the production of strong and durable cysts. The classic type of pond-less body of water is the fairy shrimp, which has a very distinctive life cycle. It has been employed to increase growth at various phases of life in aquatic organisms with effectiveness. Fairy shrimps generate quiescent eggs that can tolerate harsh climatic circumstances including frost or drought in order to survive to the subsequent generation. The use of fairy shrimps potentially their exceptional nutritional content as potential and natural sources of food for the rapidly expanding aquaculture sector.

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Mosquitoes have a long, segmental body along with three sets of elongated, hair-like appendages, a single pair of their wings, one pair of halteres, as well as elongated mouthpieces. They have dark grey to black colouring on their delicate, slender their structures, which range in length from 3 to 6 mm certain species contain distinctive morphological characteristics. In mosquitoes distributed across the world, microsporida are present. All kinds of mosquitoes seem to have some sort of host relationship at some point. Depending on its particular biological characteristics, each species chooses the location of the water where it will lay its eggs. Microbial fauna and flora, and particulates debris are among the larval sources of nourishment. One of the fish’s most favoured live foods is the larvae of mosquitoes, which they ingest in large quantities. Larvivorous fishes are those that feed on the mosquito larvae and pupae. The part that fish play in diminishing the mosquito populations, particularly annual fish, guppy (Poecilia reticulata), as well as mosquito fish (Gambusia aflinis).

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The black soldier fly, scientifically known as Hermetia illucens (L.), is an exceptional adaptable insect species found in tropical and warm-temperate regions. It possesses significant potential for effectively managing concentrated animal manure and other biosolids. This versatile fly offers remarkable economic and environmental benefits by effectively converting diverse organic waste and byproducts into valuable insectbased products through efficient processing. The larvae of the black soldier fly exhibit remarkable feeding capabilities, consuming a wide range of biodegradable materials including food waste, animal manure, and even certain non-digestible organic waste. Their feeding efficiency leads to a rapid reduction of up to 50% in accumulated organic waste, making them a valuable tool for mitigating environmental pollution. Moreover, the biomass produced by larvae of black soldier fly serves as an excellent protein reservoir for animal feed, contributes to the production of biofuel-related fatty acids, contains essential minerals, and yields chitin and chitosan for the development of diverse bio-based products. Understanding the culture techniques, biology, life cycle, and environmental factors associated with the black soldier fly is essential for harnessing its full potential and maximizing its numerous advantages.

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Enriched live food refers to live organisms, such as insects, that have been fortified with additional nutrients or substances to enhance their nutritional value. Enriched live food refers to a type of food that is alive, such as insects or small organisms, and has been enhanced or fortified with additional nutrients or substances to increase its nutritional value. This concept is often associated with the feeding of live animals, such as pets or livestock, and aims to provide them with a more balanced and complete diet. This practice is commonly used to provide a more balanced and natural diet for animals that consume live prey. Enriched live food can mimic the prey’s natural diet, address specific nutrient requirements, and promote overall health and well-being. The nutritional needs of different animals vary, and improper enrichment or over-reliance on live food alone may still result in imbalances or deficiencies. It is crucial to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to ensure the proper implementation of enriched live food as part of an animal’s diet. Overall, enriched live food is a concept that aims to enhance the nutritional value of live prey for animals, providing them with a more complete and balanced diet.

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There are several commercial products available that are based on live food organisms used as fish feed. These live organisms provide essential nutrients and are often used in aquaculture to promote healthy growth and development in fish. Artemia is a small aquatic crustacean that is widely used as live food for fish larvae and fry. They are rich in protein and highly nutritious, making them a popular choice for feeding young fish. Rotifers are tiny, multicellular organisms that are often used as a first feed for fish larvae. They are high in essential fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins, providing a nutritious diet for young fish. Daphnia, commonly known as water fleas, are small crustaceans that are frequently used as live food for small and medium-sized fish. They are an excellent source of protein and contain essential amino acids and fatty acids. Copepods are small, planktonic crustaceans that are highly nutritious and commonly used as live feed for both freshwater and marine fish. They provide a balanced diet and are particularly beneficial for promoting growth in juvenile fish. Moina, also known as water fleas, are small crustaceans similar to Daphnia. They are often used as live feed for fish and have a high nutritional value, including proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals.

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Chlorella live food organisms, belonging to the genus Chlorella within the division Chlorophyta, are highly regarded for their nutritional composition and are widely used in various applications. They are classified as plant-like microalgae and are known for their high protein content, ranging from 45% to 60% of dry weight, along with carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and nucleic acids. Chlorella live food organisms offer several benefits, including their potential as a protein source, their ability to enhance growth and pigmentation in ornamental fish, and their positive effects on immune function and disease resistance in aquaculture. They can be enriched through various techniques such as nutrient supplementation, light manipulation, carbon dioxide enrichment, temperature control, and genetic engineering to further enhance their nutritional profiles. Chlorella live food organisms play a significant role in sustainable aquaculture, biotechnology, and the production of functional foods and dietary supplements. Further research and advancements in cultivation techniques and genetic manipulation hold promise for expanding their applications and maximizing their potential benefits. Overall, Chlorella live food organisms are valuable microorganisms with diverse nutritional compositions and applications, making them a subject of interest in various fields, including aquaculture, biotechnology, and nutrition.