Abstract
Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and growth-enhancing properties. However, research on its effects on mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) is limited. This study aimed to explore the effects of HRW on the growth and liver antioxidant capacity of mandarin fish. A total of 3600 fish, with an initial average weight of 30 ± 1 g, were randomly divided into four groups (three replicates each) and treated with HRW for 0 h (control), 1 h, 2 h, and 3 h over an 8-week period. In this study, we found that HRW significantly enhanced weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed intake in mandarin fish, while reducing the feed conversion ratio. It also boosted antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD and GSH-PX) in the liver and lowered MDA. Additionally, HRW increased muscle growth-related gene expression (mrf4, myos, myod, mhc) and upregulated appetite-related genes (npy and agrp) while decreasing leptin levels. This study reveals that a hydrogen concentration of 200–320 ppb, especially with a 2 h HRW treatment, produces the most significant antioxidant effects in juvenile mandarin fish, while a 3 h treatment notably enhances growth. These findings offer valuable insights and support for the advancement of the mandarin fish breeding industry.