The farming of fish and shrimps is a prominent and valuable activity, contributi ng significantly to various aspects of the economy and food supply. Fish and shrimp farming operations are widespread, ranging from small-scale operations to large commercial ventures. Owing to the increasing demand for animal protein, farming operations are taking place in a highly intensive way, which has resulted in causing stress affecting the performance, health and welfare of farmed animals, and hence the economic and sustainability of the sector. Nutri Biotech Services is a private research laboratory undertaking research in the area of specialised animal nutrition. The company focuses on developing nutritional products derived from natural sources to address issues associated with the economic and sustainable production, health, and welfare of farmed aquatic animals. In the framework of research and development projects conducted in collaboration with Universities like the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and others, the company has identified a specific biological activity that is extracted from an edible cactus Opuntia ficus indica . In vitro and in vivo studies showed that p art of the fruit of this cactus allows organisms to elevate their level of Heat Shock Proteins (HSP) in a short time and maintain high levels of HSP if ingested during periods of physical , physiological, and biological stress. Several industrial-scale studies have been carried out in different parts of the world using different farmed species including shrimp, warm water species, and cold water species . These studies demonstrate the benefits of high levels of HSP associated with the ingestion of this cactus in aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the studies highlighting the effects of ingestion of cactus on the production of stress proteins at the genetic and protein levels , and how this stress protein contributes to a better and enhanced performance of organisms in terms of growth, survival, and overall performance.