Diverse Levels of Amaranthus dubiusleaves on Growth and Carotenoid Improvements in Fresh Water Ornamental Fish Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara hansbaenschi)

Abstract

Attractive coloration and growth of ornamental fishes are important quality criteria in the aquarium fish industry. Colour-producing carotenoids cannot be synthesized by ornamental fish, so they must rely on dietary carotenoids in natural or synthetic forms to achieve their color pigmentations. The aim of this review is to compileand summarize recent investigations into different carotenoid sources used in ornamental fish feed formulations and to highlight the research gaps and investigation needs in the field of aquaculture. An attempt has been made to evaluate the effects of diets containing 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10% Amaranthus dub the growth and carotenoid changes in peacock cichlid (Aulnocara hansbaenschi).This isonitrous (40% protein) diet supplemented with Amaranthus dubius leaves diet was prepared and offered ad libitum to the experimental fish in 5% body weight for 45 days. The results indicated that in the skin and muscle tissue of experimental fish, the growth and carotenoid contents were found to vary between control diets and also during the time intervals of experimental period. The results indicated that incorporation of 10% diet A. dubiusleaves in the diet was found to enhance the growth and coloration of peacock cichlid’s (Aulnocara hansbaenschi). This is considered the optimum dietary level to enhance feed intake growth and coloration.