Effect of (n-3) PUFA and vitamin A Artemia enrichment on pigmentation success of turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L).

Abstract

Emulsions with different content of (n-3) PUFA and vitamin A were used to enrich Artemia and examine the effect of these nutrients on pigmentation success in turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.). The best pigmentation rates were obtained using an overdose of vitamin A (500 000 IU L−1), but coincided with a high incidence of skeletal deformations. Higher growth and pigmentation rates were achieved by increasing the quantity of (n-3) PUFA oil in the emulsion. The use of (n-3) PUFA-deficient diet caused the highest occurrence of albinism as well as a cessation of metamorphosis.