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The Role of Carotenoids in Nutrition, Physiology, Reproduction, and Coloration of Ornamental Fish
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R. Nahavandi   , S. Pourmozaffar * , S. Tamaddoni Jahromi , S. Nooraei |
| Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Ecology Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Sciences Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Bandar-e-Abbas, Iran |
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Abstract: (11 Views) |
Carotenoids are among the most important bioactive compounds used in ornamental fish nutrition and play a critical role in coloration, health, and overall biological performance. Since fish are unable to synthesize carotenoids de novo, these pigments must be obtained through dietary sources. In addition to producing yellow, orange, and red pigmentation in the skin, scales, and other tissues, carotenoids function as precursors of vitamin A and as potent antioxidants involved in numerous physiological processes.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that dietary supplementation with natural carotenoid sources, including microalgae, plants, yeasts, and crustaceans, can improve growth performance, feed utilization efficiency, immune responses, antioxidant enzyme activity, and resistance to diseases and environmental stressors. Furthermore, the accumulation and transfer of carotenoids to reproductive tissues and eggs contribute to improved egg quality, hatching success, larval survival, and embryonic resilience under adverse environmental conditions.
Although synthetic pigments may produce faster coloration responses, natural carotenoid sources often provide additional nutritional and functional benefits due to the presence of other bioactive compounds and micronutrients. This review examines the role of carotenoids in nutrition, physiology, reproduction, and coloration of ornamental fish, while discussing their applications, limitations, and future prospects in the ornamental aquaculture industry. |
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| Keywords: Carotenoids, Ornamental Fish, Coloration, Aquatic Nutrition, Reproduction, Antioxidants, Immune Response, Fish Health |
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Full-Text [PDF 411 kb]
(3 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/02/21 | Accepted: 2026/07/1 | Published: 2026/07/1
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