Impact of fungal pigments (Carotenoids) in feed for Cyprinus carpio fish (KOI KARP)

Abstract

The bright colours of ornamental fish are not just attractive, but have antioxidant and photoprotective functions. These colours are due to carotenoids present in the fish skin. However the fish cannot synthesize these pigments and thus depend on exogenous sources. Apart from rendering bright colours, these pigments have antioxidant, antimicrobial and photoprotective function. Pigmentation in ornamental fish increases their market value. In this study, carotenoid pigments were isolated from Penicillium purpurogenum and Talaromyces purpurogenum, used to make top coated fish feed and fed to Golden Koi (Cyprinus carpio) fish to check for enhancement in colour and other properties. The study indicated that the pigments were non - toxic to the fish, increased the fish weight and protein content and showed an enhancement in the skin color. High resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry data showed the presence of an additional carotenoid astaxanthin in the test fish. Thus the fungal pigment fed to the fish enhanced its colour and other properties.