Preliminary study on the visual sensitivity of Oreochromis niloticus using LED light source for the aquaculture development in Uganda

Abstract

The visible threshold of Oreochromis niloticus responded to high light intensity under short wavelengths, whereas the response to low light intensity under long wavelengths was low, with a minimum visual threshold of 574 nm of LED lights. Movement distance of O. niloticus was dropped at 31°C and increased abnormally at 37°C under natural light. Comparing movement distance under red (622 nm) and green (518 nm) lights of LED, movement distance and swimming speed under red and green lights were higher than under natural light. However, the movement distance decreased rapidly at 31°C under red light and lowest at 33°C under green light. After that, there was a tendency to adapt to high water temperatures gradually. Consequently, red and green lights may be recommended for O. niloticus’s aquaculture because the red and green lights have a positive effect on growth performance, survival rate, and metabolism, as shown in previous studies. It is necessary to control the water temperature below 32°C because abnormal behavior above 32°C revealed under red and green LED lights and natural light.