Abstract:
A six-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of three experimental feeds on
growth performance and feed utilization, survival and coloration of platy fish, Xiphophorus sp. The
Prima diet was used as the control diet (CD) with no additives and two experimental diets were
prepared by supplimenting 5% shrimp shell powder (SD) and 5% garlic powder into a base prima
diet (GD). Triplicate groups of platy fingerlings (0.34 ± 0.01 g, 2.25 ± 0.12 cm) were stocked in
nine glass aquaria (60 × 30 × 40 cm³), at a density of ten fish per tank. Fish were fed ad libitum
twice daily and growth performance (total length, total weight, weight gain%, length gain%,
average daily gain%, specific growth rate%), feed utilization ratio (FCR) and coloration level
(total carotenoid content) were evaluated. Fish fed the diet supplemented with shrimp shell
powder (SD) exhibited significantly higher (p<0.05) growth performance, including final body
weight (0.84±0.10g), total length (3.28 ±0.06cm), specific growth rate (2.39 ±0.04%) and average
daily gain (3.49±0.7%) compared to those fed the CD or GD. Survival rate did not differ
significantly (p>0.05) among treatments. Hepatosomatic Index (HSI) and Gonadosomatic Index
(GSI) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in SD treatment. Skin and caudal fin carotenoid content
was highest in the SD group (4.01 ± 0.12 mg/kg), followed by the GD (3.58 ± 0.13 mg/kg) and CD
(3.14 ± 0.06 mg/kg) groups. The results indicate that dietary supplementation with 5% shrimp
shell powder significantly enhances growth and coloration in platy fish. Therefore, shrimp shell
powder has potential as a valuable additive in fish diets for both growth promotion and color
enhancement, benefiting the ornamental and food fish industries.
