Exploring Creatine in Aquafeeds: Present Status and Future Prospects

Creatine is a multifunctional nitrogenous compound central to cellular energy buffering through the creatine-phosphocreatine system. Emerging evidence indicates its potential as a functional ingredient in aquafeeds, particularly as fishmeal is increasingly replaced by creatine-deficient plant-based ingredients. Experimental studies have reported improvements in growth, muscle accretion, body composition, feed utilization, osmoregulatory capacity, and flesh quality; however, responses remain inconsistent across species, dietary formulations, rearing environments, and supplementation regimes. Creatine and its precursor guanidinoacetic acid may also spare amino acids involved in endogenous creatine synthesis. This review critically examines current knowledge, identifies research gaps, and discusses future applications of creatine for sustainable and precision aquafeed development.