Influence of papaya pulp powder on fin pigmentation of an ornamental fish banded cichlid, Heros severus

Abstract

The monetary worth of ornamental fish in the market mainly depended on the presence of carotenoids which activate the coloration of fish. Nevertheless, there is limited exploration of various natural carotenoid sources as potential feed supplements for ornamental fish. The present feeding trial was conducted to know the influence of papaya pulp powder meal on the fin pigmentation of banded cichlid, Heros severus. Five experimental diets were prepared, each containing varying amounts of papaya pulp powder {0 g/100 g (C-0), 1 g/100 g (T1), 2 g/100 g (T2), 3 g/100 g (T3), 4 g/100 g (T4), 5 g/100 g (T5)}. Ten fish per tank, each weighing 4.18±0.3 g and measuring 4.12±0.2 cm were randomly stocked to 12 glass aquaria (L 60 cm x W 30 cm x H 30 cm). The experiment was conducted in duplicate for 60 days. The feed was given at 2% of body weight with equal split doze at 09:00 and 18:00 hours. To maintain a healthy state, any uneaten food and waste were syphoned out on daily basis and water was replaced with fresh water at a rate of 10% to 15% every three days. The carotenoid level variation was observed at 380, 450, 475 and 500 nm wavelength. After the experiment, it was found that there was increase in the total carotenoid concentration (TCC) in the fin of banded cichlid in all five treatments than that of control ones significantly (p<0.01). The results suggest that the supplementation of 3 g/100 g papaya pulp powder in the diet can be effective in enhancing fin pigmentation of banded cichlid.