EFFECT OF J3-CAROTENE ENRICHED DIET AND TUBIFEX ON GROWTH, SURVIVAL AND COLOURATION OF ANGEL FISH, PTEROPHYLLUM SCALARE (SCHULTZE, 1823)

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of ­ carotene and Tubifex, live feed on growth, survival and colouration  of  angel  fish,  Peterophyllum  sea/are.  Five homogenous triplicates randomly distributed groups of juvenile angel fish (1.02±0.04 g) were fed with the diet supplemented with 0, 100, 125, 150 mg kg·1 -carotene and Tubifex as TO, Tl, T2, T3 and L.F., respectively. The fishes were fed at the rate of3% of their body weight twice a day for 75 days. The growth rate, FCR, SGR, PER, survival rate and colouration of fish were evaluated at the end of the experiment. After 75 days of trials, samples of skin, fins and muscle were drawn for subsequent analysis of total carotenoid content while skin and scales were taken for evaluation of whiteness, redness and yellowness. The results revealed that 150 mg kg"1  -carotene as well as Tubifex had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on body weight, FCR, SGR, PER and survival rate. The higher carotenoid content, pro vitamin A activity and colouration were achieved in the fish at 150 mg kg·1-carotene and Tubifex. The results indicated that the best supplementation of diet with 150 mg kg"1 -carotene and Tubifex at post juvenile stage, significantly enhanced the growth rate, survival and colouration in angel fish.