Influence of Plant Additive, S. Cumini on Growth and Colouration of X. Maculatus, P. Conchonius, and M. Lombardoi

Abstract

Effect of dietary fruit peel powder (Syzygium cumini- wild Indian blackberry) incorporated formulated feed as a natural anthocyanin source was undertaken to assess survivability, growth and colouration on Xiphophorus maculatus (Platy), Pethia conchonius (Rosy Barb), and Maylandia lombardoi (Cichlid). Four types of feed, one control (F1) and three experimental feed were formulated as F2-25mg10-1g, F3-50mg10-1g and F4-100mg10-1g dietary fruit peel powder of S.cumini fed twice a day for a period of 60 days. Ten fish per aquaria weighing 0.33g (platy), 1.18g (barb) and 0.18g (cichlid) were distributed in 30L fiberglass aquaria in triplicate with standard aeriated system (temp-25.3±0.03, DO-4.8±0.05). 100% survivability and a steady rise in the body weight (BW) of all fishes fed with F1 to F4 was recorded on weekly basis. Enhancement was noted in growth parameters (BWG, SGR and CF) for cichlid fish group when fed with F4 compared to other feeds and fish species. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lowest in cichlid fish group due to high feed utilization (P>0.05). The levels of total anthocyanin content (TAC) were higher in rosy barb than platy fish and minimum in cichlid fish group. The study suggested that F4 feed with highest anthocyanin pigment (100mg10-1g) consisting dried S. cumini fruit peel incorporated feed induced better growth in cichlid fish and bright pigmentation in rosy barb. This indicated that feed utilization is species specific. Synthetic pigments in fish feed can be replaced by anthocyanin pigment incorporated feed which can be applied as diet supplement feed in aquaculture practices (a pioneer study).