Abstract: With the rapid development of aquaculture towards scale, the healthy problems of aquatic animals caused by the abuse of antibiotics had become increasingly prominent. Therefore, the development of green and efficient alternatives to antibiotics had emerged. Plant polyphenols had become one of the excellent alternatives of antibiotics, because of their effects of promoting growth, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and promoting intestinal health, as well as no side effects and drug residues. According to the results of relevant studies, plant polyphenols in appropriate dosage had a positive effect on the growth and physiological status of aquatic animals. This article summarized research advances on the effects of plant polyphenols on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and intestinal health of aquatic animals.