Effects of yeast hydrolysate supplementation in low-fish meal diets for pikeperch

•Effects of yeast hydrolysate addition in plant-based diets were examined in pikeperch.•Replacing 60% of fish meal with soybean meal did not impair pikeperch growth.•Yeast hydrolysate addition in high soybean meal diets enhanced feed utilisation and survival.•Yeast hydrolysate prevented the deleterious effects of soybean meal on liver function and immunity.•These results are important for aquafeed manufacturers and pikeperch farmers.