Papaya Epicarp Powder Meal as Natural Carotenoid Source for Pigmentation and Growth in Indigenous Ornamental Fish, Rosy Barb (Pethia conchonius)

Experiment was conducted to observe the efficacy of experimental feeds supplemented with graded levels of papaya epicarp powder (PEP) meal as a natural source of carotenoid on growth and colouration in the muscle and skin of indigenous ornamental fish, rosy barb (Pethia conchonius). PEP was incorporated in the control feed (T0) at four different levels (1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6%) to prepare the experimental feeds. During the experimental period of 120 days, water quality parameters remained in optimum range for fish culture. Fish growth in terms of total body length gain was significantly higher in treatment with PEP @ 3% and @ 6%, whereas net weight gain and SGR was significantly higher in T2 (PEP @ 3%), FCR also significantly reduced in T2, whereas PER and condition factor did not show any significant differences. Fish muscle and skin colour in terms of carotenoid content and digital analysis showed significant improvement in diet with PEP @ 6%. Histological changes observed in muscle tissue in terms of increased muscular striations and number of nuclei were also coincides with improvement in growth in PEP @ 3%. The fish growth in terms of weight gain significantly improved in T2, but colouration was significantly enhanced in PEP @ 6%. Based upon these results and considering the value of ornamental fish in terms of colouration, papaya epicarp powder meal can be incorporated @ 6% in diet of ornamental fish, rosy barb.