Interaction of spirulina with different levels of vitamin E on growth, reproduction, and coloration in goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Abstract

The interaction between spirulina (30 g/kg diet) and different levels of vitamin E (100, 200, 300, and 600 mg/kg diet) on growth, gonad weight, reproduction, and coloration were studied in goldfish, Carassius auratus, for 120 days. The mean body weight increased with time in all experimental diets. Growth, gonad weight, and fecundity in fish fed the diet containing spirulina+300 mg vitamin E were significantly (p<0.01) enhanced, compared to other diets. Supplementation of vitamin E beyond this level significantly (p<0.01) reduced gonad weight and, subsequently, fecundity. Control fish spawned only once, with fewer eggs per spawn, than other groups, which spawned twice with a greater number of eggs per spawn. Females fed spirulina without vitamin E laid 703 eggs in two spawnings compared to 1057 eggs in fish fed with the spirulina+300 mg vitamin E diet. Fish treated with other combinations laid fewer eggs. While all combinations of spirulina and vitamin E significantly enhanced coloration, the combination of spirulina+300 mg vitamin E was the most influential.