Summer Survival Guide

How to protect your fish from heat stress and ensure performance during the summer period

BioMar - Heat stress

Why is summer critical for your fish?

Elevated temperatures affect the fish’s physiology at multiple levels:

Rising water temperatures reduce growth
Increased disease and parasite pressure
Extreme weather conditions
Lower oxygen levels affect survival
Risk of algal blooms

How to protect your fish:

Always monitor the fish’s behavior. Track temperature and oxygen levels as frequently as possible, preferably continuously. Check critical water parameters such as pH and ammonia. Keep a daily log of feed amounts. Record daily mortalities and document observations.

Adjust feeding based on temperature, not just timing; feed early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid heat. Adjust according to the fish’s appetite: increase when appetite is high, reduce when it declines. Replace a few large meals with several smaller ones. Avoid unnecessary handling, especially during warm periods. Ensure sufficient oxygen levels. Use easily digestible, low-waste feed, and preferably functional feed during summer stress.

Watch for warning signs. Fish gasping for air at the surface, lethargy and reduced appetite, irregular swimming behavior, external damage (eyes, skin, fins), pale gills, mortality, the presence of uneaten feed, and deteriorating water quality (algae, particles).

How BioMar can help

BioMar offers functional feed solutions that support fish under warm and stressful conditions.

Supports digestion and nutrient absorption
Reduces waste
Helps maintain appetite
Enhances robustness