Effect of ethanolic extract of Terrestis tribulus on reproductive performance, growth parameters and survival in Xiphophorus helleri

The present research studied the effect of different levels of ethanolic extract of Tribulus terrestris on reproductive performance of Xiphophorus helleri. Fish fed diets containing different levels of Tribulus terrestris extract, 0 (control or treatment 1), 750 (treatment 2), 1000 (treatment 3) and 1250 (treatment 4) mg/kg diet for 2 months. Results showed that final weight, final length, weight gain index, weight gain and specific growth rate were significantly higher in treatment 4 in comparison with control group (P <0.05). The highest relative fecundity and gonadosomatic index were observed in treatments 2.  Results also showed that the highest amount of larvae was observed in the treatment of 2 (P <0.05). The survival percentage was not significant in larvae and the highest final weight and final length of larvae were observed in treatment 2 and the lowest in treatment 1. It can be concluded that using of 750 mg extract/kg diet can improve the growth factors and reproductive performance in Xiphophorus helleri.