The Effects of Dietary Supplement of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) as a Fishmeal Replacer on Growth Performance and Carotenoid Concentration in Buenos Aires Tetra (Aphyocharax anisitsi)

Abstract

Background: Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) is a potential ingredient in aquafeed for containing high protein, minerals, vitamins and pigments which provide nutritional value to fish. It is a growth promoter and carotenoid source in non-ornamental fishes. Methods: To evaluate the potential of A. platensis (Spirulina) as a growth promoter and carotenoid source for transferring from the diets to the muscle and skin of Buenos Aires Tetra, Aphyocharax anisitsi, five experimental diets were prepared by replacing fishmeal, D0 (0%) (control), D25 (25%), D50 (50%), D75 (75%) and D100 (100%). The growth parameters like weight gain, length gain, specific growth rate and food conversion ratio were measured and carotenoid content in the muscle and skin of the fish was estimated. Result: At the end of the experiment, significantly (P less than 0.05) higher weight gain (WG), length gain (LG), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed in D50 and D75 diet groups compared to control and D100 where fishmeal was replaced by 21 g and 31.5 g spirulina respectively. The carotenoid content in the muscle and skin was also found to be highest in D75 compared to control. The findings of this experiment showed that A. platensis could replace up to 50% and 75% fishmeal in the diet of A. anisitsi for optimum growth and carotenoid accumulation in the muscle and skin.