Estimation of Color Enhancement Potential of Natural Pigment Sources on Marine Ornamental Clown Fishes

Pigmentation is the key value of the ornamental fish market suitability. Fish are colored in nature, often show faded coloration under intensive aquarium conditions. Carotenoids are responsible for pigmentation of skin and muscle color of any fish. Animals are not adept to biosynthesis carotenoids, so diet is their only source as only plants, fungi, bacteria and algae have the capacity for its synthesis. Diet is the major support of successful culture of ornamental fish in confined environment. In this contest an attempt has been made to evaluate the colour enhancement performance of five natural pigment sources like Carrot (Daucus carota), marigold petal (Tagetes erecta), China rose petal (Hibiscus rosasinensis), Rose petal (Rosa chinensis) and polycheates in two famed clown fishes (Amphiprion ocellaris and Amphiprion frenatus). The experiment revealed that both clown fishes were significant positive responded to the dietary supplements of polychaete diet and followed by H. rosasinensis and carrot diets. Other diets were documented an adequate level of outcomes.