Effects of natural and synthetic pigment sources added to red parrot (Cichlasoma citrinellum x cichlasoma synspilum) diets at different rations on growth and skin color

Parrot cichlid (Cichlasoma citrinellum x Cichlasoma synspilum), one of the aquarium fishes, has eye-catching colors in its skin and its pink-red carotenoid group is provided by its colorants. The aim of this study is to compare the accumulations of synthetic and natural colorants in the skin. 5 grams and 2 replicates in 3 g parrot fish (Control Group (K0), Karofil Pink (KAP), Haematococcus pluvialis (HP), Red Beet and Karofil Pink (KP + KAP), Red Beet and Haematococcus pluvialis (KP + HP) was fed for 3 months. Total live weight gain was measured with the highest of 27,17±1,61 g and Karofil Pink group and the lowest was 17,58±1,66 g with Haematococcus pluvialis. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was measured with 1.47±0.09 in the Karofil Pink supplemented feed group and the lowest in the control group by 2.29±0.58. In experimental groups, chemical (spectrophotometric) and physical (Hunter L, a, b) measurements were made on the skin. According to spectrophotometric measurements, the highest value was 694,33±407,86 and the lowest value was 278,66±69,17 with Haematococcus pluvialis. According to physical measurements Hunter L and Hunter a values were found to be similar. According to Hunter b values, the highest values were determined in the feed group containing KP + HP and the lowest K0 group.