Comparison of the effect of Astaxanthin and Dunaliella salina algae on skin carotenoid, lipid peroxidation and coloration of Heros severus

Microalgae Dunaliella salina is a national source of carotenoids which can be used in aquaculture, meanwhile synthetic Astaxanthin is very expensive for use in aquaculture and several attempts have been made to find alternatives for Astaxanthin.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of oral administration of Astaxanthin and D.salina on skin carotenoid level, skin and fins coloration as well as lipid peroxidation of muscles in H.severus.

One hundred and thirty five H.severus weighing 27±0.5g were randomly divided to three groups in triplicate: Groups 1 (G1) was fed with basal diet, group 2 (G2) and group 3 (G3) were fed with basal diet supplemented with 200 mg kg-1 D.salina or Astaxanthin respectively. After 6 weeks, digital photo were taken from 15 fishes of each group and skin and muscles samples were taken after euthanasia. Skin beta carotene rate, lipid peroxidation of muscle (based on Malondialdehyde activity) as well as skin and fins coloration pattern (a*, b*, Hue, L* and Chroma) were compared among groups.

Skin beta-carotene rate significantly increased in G2 and G3 compare to G1 but, Lipid peroxidation rate were decreased in G2 and G3 compare to control (p 0.05). Although some improvement in color quality were observed in trunk area, there was no significant difference in color indicators among the groups (p>0.05). In the fin areas a* value significantly increased in G2 and G3 compare to control also Hue and b* value significantly decreased in G2 and G3 compare to control (p<0.05). Chroma significantly increased in G compared with other (p<0.05). No significant difference were observed in L* between the groups (p>0.05).

Although the effect of Astaxanthin on skin carotenoid level and skin and fins coloration was better compared with D. salina. However, because of reasonable price, wide availability and the production of Dunaliella salina, it can be used as an alternative for Astaxanthin.