Color quality and antioxidant activity evaluation of clown loach juvenile, Chromobotia macracanthus Bleeker 1852 by addition of astaxanthin in diet

Abstract

Botia or clown loach is the one of fishes was originated from Indonesia and as an ornamental fish commodity in the global market. Clown loach both nature and cultured have some problems when reared in aquaria that is the decrease of color quality. An innovation technology to improve color quality through diet formulates is needed. The aims of this research were to increase the color quality using astaxanthin in diet and to find out the role of astaxanthin as antioxidant in clown loach. The study consists of four treatments of astaxanthin dosages in the diet with isoprotein and isoenergy, namely 0, 50, 100 and 150 mg kg-1 with four replications. The fish juveniles with size of 3.44±0.51 cm and 0.56±0.02 g of weight with density of one fish per littre were used. The test diet was given three times a day during 60 days. The results showed that there were no significant differences antioxidant activity such as superoxide dismutase enzymes and malondialdehyde. However, there was a significant effect (P<0.05) to color quality of the chroma and total carotenoid, whereas no significantly different in lightness. The addition of astaxanthin was effective to improve the color quality of clown loach juvenile. Thus, 100 mg kg-1 of astaxanthin in diet is an optimal dose for clown loach juvenile.