Snakehead Fishes (Channidae): Aquaculture Potential, Nutritional Composition and Molecular Regulation of Lipid Metabolism: A Mini Review

Abstract

Snakehead fishes (family Channidae) are increasingly important in freshwater aquaculture across Asia and emerging regions such as sub‑Saharan Africa, driven by high consumer preference, rapid growth, air‑breathing ability and perceived medicinal value. Culture intensification has stimulated a rapid shift from trash‑fish based feeding to formulated diets, raising critical questions about optimal protein lipid nutrition, lipid deposition, health, and the molecular regulation of energy and lipid metabolism. Recent studies are evaluated growth and feed efficiency responses to concentration based dietary protein and lipid levels in several snakehead species and hybrids, and has begun to clarify the roles of key metabolic regulators such as leptin paralogs, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling in energy balance and lipid metabolism. Similar studies have detailed proximate composition, amino acid profile, albumin content and fatty acid composition of different Channa species and products, showing their nutritional value for humans and potential as functional foods. The aim of the present study is to understand (1) the aquaculture potential and production systems for snakehead fishes; (2) their flesh and product nutritional characteristics; and (3) emerging trends into molecular and nutritional regulation of lipid metabolism, including responses to dietary lipid manipulation, novel ingredients and hepatobiliary challenge. Limitations, research gaps and priorities are identified to support sustainable intensification, feed formulation and health management in Channidae aquaculture.