Recent advances of Terminalia catappa and its application in fish culture: A review

• Published in: Reviews in aquaculture 2024-09, Vol.16 (4), p.1741-1765
• Main Authors: Wang, Xu, Taufek, Norhidayah Mohd, Arshad, Norhafiza Mohd
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Allergic reactions; Allergies; Antibiotics; Aquaculture; Aquatic animals; Bacteria; Bacterial diseases; Bark; Bioremediation; Chemical compounds; Colour; disease resistance; Dyes; Fish; fish cultivation; Fish culture; Fish diseases; Flavonoids; Fungi; Growth rate; Hazardous areas; Immune response; Indian almond leaves; Leaves; Ornamental fish; Ornamental fishes; Parasite resistance; Parasites; phytotherapy; plant extract; Terminalia catappa; Water quality
• ISSN: 1753-5123; 1753-5131
• DOI: 10.1111/raq.12920

High‐intensity aquaculture may cause the aquatic animals to experience elevated stress levels, which in turn will increase their susceptibility to illness and result in substantial losses. Farmers frequently use chemical and antibiotic treatments for fish diseases, which have led to drug‐resistant and hazardous residues in farmed fish and the environment. Consequently, finding substitutes for chemicals and antibiotics is crucial for disease management in aquaculture. Terminalia catappa L. or commonly called Indian almond is well known for its medicinal properties and widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. T. catappa contains chemical compounds such as tannin and flavonoid that play an important role in antibacterial, anti‐allergy, anti‐inflammation, and anti‐cancer. Numerous studies have been conducted on leaves, bark, fruits, and seed of T. catappa for their applications, including medicinal, bioremediation (dye absorption), and aquaculture use. Much research can be found on the utilization of T. catappa leaves to improve fish well‐being, mostly in the ornamental fish industry. Extract of T. catappa has been found to improve fish survival, growth rate, inhibit bacterial infection, improve water quality, enhance fish colouration, and boost the immune response. Although T. catappa leaves have undergone substantial research, it has not been systematically described in connection to fish species used in aquaculture. This review will systematically discuss the biotoxicity of T. catappa evaluation of growth‐promoting properties, eggs and larviculture performance, and enhancement of fish resistance to various bacteria, fungi, and parasites. In addition, the article also highlights the future perspectives of using T. catappa to improve fish culture. Terminalia catappa extract, derived from the plant's leaves, flowers, seeds, and even its bark, is rich in medicinal properties that have been shown to be beneficial for fish health and welfare. The extract can be used for various purposes including for larviculture development, immune booster and consequently growth promoter.