EFFECT OF BOTANICAL ADDITIVES ROSE PETALS AND ORANGE PEELS ON GROWTH AND PIGMENTATION OF GOLDFISH (CARASSIUS AURATUS)

Ornamental fish keeping is established as an important part of aquaculture farming. The quality of ornamental fish can be enhanced using biological products. Botanical additives are cheap and easily available so they can also be suggested as an enhancer for the growth and coloration of ornamental fish. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of orange peels and rose petals on growth, performance and Carotenoid concentration in ornamental fish species goldfish (Carassius auratus). The experiment was carried out for a period of two months at the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, UVAS Ravi campus Pattoki. Fish were categorized into three groups: Group I (control), Group II and Group III (experimental). The feed of control was normal fish feed while Group II and Group III were treated with 20g/100g of orange peels and rose petal powder respectively. The total body weight, length, and Carotenoid concentration were determined in fish. However, all the Physico-chemical parameters of water such as temperature, pH, Total dissolved solids and dissolved oxygen were also recorded during the study period. It was noticed with controlled Physico-chemical parameters of water carotenoid concentration; body weight and length were enhanced with botanical additives. It was concluded botanical additives used in present research could improve the growth of goldfish (Carassius auratus).