Comparing effects of astaxanthin, turmeric and spirulina (Spirulina platensis) on growth, hematological and immunological parameters and coloration in the tiger oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)

The present study aimed to determine the effects of 4 experimental diets including diets contain astaxanthin, turmeric and spirulina (100mg per Kg diet) and diet without adding pigment, on growth, hematological and immunological parameters and coloration of the tiger oscar (Astronotus ocellatus). For this purpose, 120 fingerlings of tiger oscar, with a mean weight of 7.5±0.5g, were fed with experimental diets for 8 weeks. At the end of this period, fish were sampled to measure the parameters. The results of data analysis statistically showed that there was a significant difference between the treatment fed with astaxanthin and other treatments in WG, FCR, SGR, BWI, length increase and lysozyme activity (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between treatments in other immunological parameters (total immunoglobulin, IgM), hematological parameters and total carotenoids (P>0.05). The results of this study showed that the pigments used can improve the growth, immunity and coloration factors of the tiger oscar. Among these pigments, astaxanthin has a better performance than other pigments.