Boost Your Fish Growth Naturally: Roselle and Ginger as Feed Additives

Beau Callahan in Science & Nature December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlock the secrets to healthier, faster-growing fish with natural feed additives. Discover how roselle and ginger can transform your aquaculture practices."

In aquaculture, the rising need for natural alternatives has sparked a renewed interest in medicinal plants. Synthetic drugs and chemicals, while effective, often leave undesirable effects on cultured organisms and the aquatic environment. This shift towards natural solutions aims to balance productivity with ecological responsibility.

A recent study investigated the potential of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) as dietary additives for Clarias gariepinus juveniles, commonly known as African catfish. The 56-day experiment focused on how these natural supplements influence growth and hematology, providing valuable insights into sustainable aquaculture practices.

Researchers assigned 150 juvenile catfish, averaging 35.41 grams, to five different diets. These diets included varying levels of ginger and roselle, allowing scientists to observe and measure the impact of each additive on the fish's development and overall health.

How Roselle and Ginger Boost Fish Health and Growth

Roselle and ginger enhancing fish growth.

The study's results highlighted the significant benefits of incorporating ginger and roselle into fish diets. Fish fed a diet supplemented with 4.0g of ginger per 100g of feed demonstrated the best growth performance, followed closely by those fed 4.0g of roselle. In contrast, the lowest growth performance was observed in fish fed only 2.0g of roselle.

Beyond growth rates, the study also examined the hematological impacts of these additives. Significant changes were noted in the blood composition of fish fed varying levels of ginger and roselle. The most remarkable improvements were seen in fish that consumed the 4.0g ginger supplement. This group exhibited the highest values for:

Red blood cells (4.07±0.08)
Haemoglobin (11.61±0.57)
Pack cell volume (34.33±0.88)

These results were closely followed by the control group, which received no additives. Interestingly, the study found no significant changes in red blood cell indices, including mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. The overall findings suggest that a 4.0g ginger diet leads to better growth and a more favorable hematological profile in Clarias gariepinus.

Embracing Natural Solutions for Sustainable Aquaculture

This research underscores the potential of natural feed additives like roselle and ginger to enhance fish growth and health. By moving away from synthetic compounds, aquaculture can reduce its environmental impact and produce healthier fish.

The study's findings advocate for the increased use of ginger and roselle, especially among local fish farmers. These readily available resources can minimize production costs and promote sustainable aquaculture practices.

Further research is needed to explore the optimal application of these additives and their long-term effects. However, the current results offer a promising step towards integrating natural, sustainable solutions in aquaculture.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5897/ajb2017.16261, Alternate LINK

Title: Effect Of Roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) And Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) As Feed Additives, On Growth And Haematology Of Clarias Gariepinus Juvenile

Subject: Agronomy and Crop Science

Journal: African Journal of Biotechnology

Publisher: Academic Journals

Authors: E. O. Ogueji, S. C. Iheanacho, A. O. Dada, A. J. Yaji, A. Ifejimalu, B. U. Ibrahim, E. C. Mbah, E. A. Okafor, I. O. Nnatuanya

Published: 2017-11-29

Everything You Need To Know

How do roselle and ginger impact the growth of fish in aquaculture?

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) have been shown to enhance fish growth and health when used as dietary additives. A study on Clarias gariepinus juveniles (African catfish) revealed that a diet supplemented with 4.0g of ginger per 100g of feed resulted in the best growth performance. Similarly, fish fed 4.0g of roselle also showed significant growth benefits, indicating that these natural supplements can improve aquaculture practices by promoting healthier and faster-growing fish.

What specific blood improvements were observed in fish fed ginger and roselle?

The study showed significant improvements in the blood composition of Clarias gariepinus juveniles (African catfish) when fed diets containing ginger and roselle. Specifically, fish consuming a 4.0g ginger supplement exhibited the highest values for red blood cells, haemoglobin, and packed cell volume. While the study focused on these elements, further research could explore the impact of these additives on white blood cells and immune response to provide a more comprehensive understanding of hematological benefits.

Are the benefits of roselle and ginger applicable to all types of fish?

The research specifically examined Clarias gariepinus juveniles (African catfish). While the results are promising for this species, it's essential to conduct further studies to determine the effectiveness of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) as feed additives for other fish species. Different species may respond differently based on their unique physiological and dietary needs. Future research should also explore optimal dosage levels tailored to various fish types.

What are the broader implications of using natural feed additives like roselle and ginger in aquaculture?

The study found that incorporating ginger (Zingiber officinale) and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) into fish diets can significantly improve growth and hematological profiles. The best results were observed with a 4.0g ginger supplement per 100g of feed. This natural approach reduces the reliance on synthetic drugs and chemicals, leading to a reduced environmental impact and healthier fish, thus promoting more sustainable aquaculture practices.

What are the long-term considerations for using roselle and ginger as feed additives in fish farming?

The study did not cover the long-term effects of using roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) as feed additives. While the 56-day experiment showed positive results in growth and hematology, it's crucial to investigate whether these benefits persist over longer periods. Additionally, future research should explore potential impacts on fish reproduction, disease resistance, and overall lifespan to fully understand the sustainability of using these additives in aquaculture.