Dietary Copper Requirements for Aquatic Animals: A Review

Copper (Cu) is a vital microelement required for the optimum growth performance and wellbeing of aquatic animals. It contributed to various biological, physiological, and metabolic function in the entire body of the aquatic animals. Further, Cu is a cofactor for several enzymes involved in the antioxidation capacity and metalloenzyme formation. Some ingredients used for aquafeed formulation include sufficient amounts of Cu that can provide aquatic animals with their requirements. Nevertheless, in some cases, external Cu sources are needed to optimize the essential needs of aquatic animals. Inorganic, organic, and nano Cu forms are included in aquafeed and result in regulated physiological and biological functions. The addition of Cu should be added at particular doses considering the species, size, duration, and environmental conditions. Water-borne Cu level should also be considered as long as aquatic animals can obtain their requirements through gills to avoid overdosing and toxicity. Several studies reported the optimum doses of Cu required for optimal growth, productivity, and health status in several aquatic animals. This review article presents the up-to-date results of Cu-related studies in aquafeed. It also helps academia design further studies to better understand the border between Cu requirements and toxicity. Besides, planning for more studies involved in the understanding of the primary mode of action of Cu in aquatic animals' entire bodies.