Artemia Enrichment Strategies: A Comprehensive Review of Nutritional Enhancements With Emphasis on Fatty Acid Profiles in Aquatic Species

Artemia (brine shrimp) is a foundational live feed in global aquaculture, renowned for its adaptability, ease of production, and favorable nutritional profile. However, in its natural state, Artemia contains suboptimal levels of highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are vital for supporting growth, survival, and immune function in both marine fish and freshwater fish. To enhance its nutritional efficacy, various enrichment strategies have been developed, utilizing oil emulsions, microalgae, yeasts, probiotics, soy lecithin, and trace elements such as selenium and zinc. Each enrichment method offers unique physiological benefits: oil emulsions and microalgae increase PUFA concentrations; soy lecithin enhances fatty acid absorption and digestive efficiency; yeasts improve immune response and pigmentation; probiotics promote gut health and pathogen resistance; and trace minerals contribute to improved metabolic and reproductive performance. Although Artemia is extensively used in crustacean hatcheries, its use as live feed in shrimp larviculture is comparatively limited, despite its well-documented benefits. This review highlights the need for greater inclusion of enriched Artemia in shrimp culture, emphasizing its potential to improve larval performance and overall production outcomes. Optimized enrichment protocols are essential to advancing sustainable and resilient aquaculture systems. Future research should focus on cost-effective, species-specific enrichment strategies to meet the evolving nutritional requirements of modern aquaculture.