Sugar/carbohydrate is important as energy source for animals. But does the presence of sugar/carbohydrate is important for animals or in this matter, fish. Especially for its body growth and development.
Carbohydrate does form an important part of fish food, as for other animals. In one estimate the amount of carbohydrate needed for the mullet (Rhinomugil corsula), it was found to be about half (45% of food energy) Kutty , (1978, 1981).
References;
Kutty, M. N. (1978) Ammonia Quotient in sockeye salmon (Onchorhyncus nerka). J. Fish. Res. Board. Can. 35: 1003-1005.
Kutty, M. N. (1981) Energy metabolism of mullets. In: Aquaculture of grey mullets. Chapter 7. Cambridge University Press. Editor: Oren, O. H.
Fish need all the essential nutrient namely protein,lipid,carbohydrate, vitamin & mineral. However, the quantity of carbohydrate inclusion vary from species to species based on their food preference.
I agree with Amit Ranja. The amount of carbohydrate differs according to their feeding habit (omnivorous / carnivorous).
Carbohydrates have protein sparing effect, thus channelizing valuable protein for growth and development, rather than utilized for energy requirement if any.
All nutrients are essential for fishes and the nutrient requirements differs among fishes based on their feeding habits. As carbohydrate contribute a major portion in herbivores than carnivores. As fish prefer more protein in diet than other vertebrates and carbohydrate is used in fish diet to fulfill a portion of energy requirement and to minimize amino acid catabolism for energy production.
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