Budi, Darmawan Setia, Widiya, Devia Rus, Aprilia, Regita Dwi, Maulana, Fajar, Loh, Jiun-Yan, Kenconojati, Hapsari, Mubarak, Ahmad Shofy, and Bodur, Türker (2025) The effect of dietary Spirulina sp. supplement on coloration, reproduction improvement and some biological parameters of Kuhli loaches (Pangio kuhlii). Aquaculture International, 33. 431.

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Abstract

This study investigated the effects of dietary Spirulina sp. meal supplementation on the growth, coloration, and reproductive performance of the Kuhli loach (Pangio kuhlii), a freshwater fish species popular in the aquarium industry. A total of 400 wild-caught fish were fed Spirulina sp. meal at different dietary levels (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 g/kg feed) for 40 days. Growth parameters, such as body weight gain and specific growth rate, improved significantly (P < 0.05) with Spirulina sp. meal supplementation, particularly at 50 g/kg feed, without affecting survival rates. Color intensity was assessed using imaging techniques, colorimetric analysis, as well as carotenoid content of the skin. Dark pigmentation and melanophore counts were enhanced (P < 0.05), especially at 75 g/kg Spirulina sp. meal. The highest carotenoid content was observed at 75 g/kg, indicating that this dietary level is optimal for skin carotenoid enhancement. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) improved with level of Spirulina sp. meal supplementation, with a notable increase in GSI values at 100 g/kg feed. This study also highlighted sex-specific differences in response to Spirulina sp. meal supplementation, with males showing a greater increase in color intensity, particularly in dark coloration. The study suggests that Spirulina sp. meal supplementation can improve the color parameters of Kuhli loach, which are crucial in the ornamental fish industry. Although the 50, 75, and 100 g/kg supplementation levels each produced significantly better results than lower doses, the optimal inclusion level varies with the desired parameter and no single level is universally superior. For practical application, 50 g/kg is recommended due to its cost efficiency in enhancing growth performance. These findings provide valuable insights into sustainable Kuhli loach cultivation, ensuring high-quality ornamental fish production while also helping to preserve natural populations.

Item ID:	86072
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1573-143X
Copyright Information:	© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025
Date Deposited:	14 Jul 2025 23:34
FoR Codes:	30 AGRICULTURAL, VETERINARY AND FOOD SCIENCES > 3003 Animal production > 300303 Animal nutrition @ 100%
SEO Codes:	10 ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND ANIMAL PRIMARY PRODUCTS > 1002 Fisheries - aquaculture > 100202 Aquaculture fin fish (excl. tuna) @ 100%
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