Effect of Plant Meal as a Carotenoid Source on the Development of Pigmentation in Dwarf Gourami, Colisa lalia (Hamilton, 1822)

Abstract

Dwarf gourami, (Colisa lalia) is an ornamental fish of great economic importance which fetches a good price in market because of its colour and behaviour. The pigmentation of fish is one of the important qualities which attract the consumer. Carotenoids are responsible for pigmentation in skin of the ornamental fish. In the present experiment marigold (Calenduleae officinalis) petal powder was used as a carotenoid source for enhancing pigment in C. lalia. Experiment was conducted for 40 days in three groups. Carotenoid content in the tissue of the three groups was analysed at the end of the experiment. The present study showed that brightness and colour of C. lalia can be enhanced by adding the marigold petal powder in the diet of the fish by increasing carotenoid content in the tissue of the fish. 10 g per 100 g of marigold petal powder in diet was found to be more effective as compared to lower doses as given to other groups in order to enhance the carotenoid content in dwarf gourami. Total maximum carotenoid content (0.121 μg per wet weight of tissue) was recorded in the group fed with 10.0 g marigold petal powder which was significantly different (P < 0.05) from the other groups.