| Echinodermata are important aquatic animals of commercial value in China. Enriched in proteins, amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and other physiologically active substances, they are considered healthy food with increasing consumer demand. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop and industrialize echinoderm breeding. However, the high mortality rate, slow growth rate, and low nutritional quality during echinoderm breeding are the main bottlenecks limiting the development of the echinoderm industry. It is well known that marine animals require certain essential fatty acids, particularly n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, for their normal growth, development, and immunity. Essential fatty acids can directly affect the development and survival of juvenile of echinoderms grown in aquaculture. To meet the nutritional needs of juveniles and adults, the supply of high-quality bait is essential to overcome these bottlenecks. Microalgae are rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, carotenoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and other nutrients, and have attracted increased attention in the development of new aquatic feed resources. Fresh bait for young animals is significantly better than artificial bait in promoting growth and improving survival rates. It is also widely used in breeding echinoderms. In this paper, the research progress on the application of microalgae and bioactive chemicals in typical commercial echinoderm (sea cucumber and sea urchin) farming and breeding were reviewed with respect to their effects on the growth, development, and impact on the larval growth. We have summarized the microalgae species commonly used in economic echinoderm breeding and the effects of microalgae on the fatty acid composition and immune status of sea cucumbers and sea urchins were analyzed. Furthermore, the challenges limiting the application of microalgae bait in echinoderm breeding and farming are discussed, and alternative solutions are offered for sea cucumber and sea urchin culture in China. |
