Growth and nutritional health of Pterophyllum scalare juveniles: Unleashing the benefits of feeding with Artemia sp. in aquariums

Abstract

Pterophyllum scalare is a popular ornamental fish species, but current rearing methods result in high mortality, low fertility, disease incidence, and slow growth in aquarium conditions. Research on co-feeding for ornamental fish at the juvenile or adult stage needs to be completed. This study implemented a “snacking” feeding strategy using Artemia sp. to evaluate changes in fish survival rate, growth performance, and enzyme activity related to digestion, antioxidants, and immunity in a recirculating aquaculture system. Two feeding strategies were tested: one group was fed a commercial diet plus Artemia sp. (0.1% of diet) as “snacking,” and another group was fed only the commercial diet as normal. “Snacking” with Artemia sp. enhanced fish’s survival and growth performance, with higher relative weight rate, standard length, and total length than the control group. Specific growth rates for weight, standard length, and total length were also more significant in the supplemented group compared to the control group. The activity of amylase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase was substantially higher in the supplemented group. Adding Artemia sp. as a supplement under a “snacking” feeding strategy to the control diet was beneficial for P. scalare juvenile rearing and can guide managing recirculating farming activities.