The effect of background colour on growth performance and survival rate of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) fry raised in tanks

Abstract

The effect of tank background color (blue, black, and white) on growth performance and survival rate of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry were investigated. The study was carried out at Pearl Aquatics fish farm in Garuga-Uganda. Nile tilapia fry cultured was of average weight 0.25 g was obtained from the farm and stocked in tanks of blue, white, and black background colors in two replicates. All the tanks were stocked on the same day with a total of 150 fry per tank. The fish were cultured for a period of four weeks during which they were fed three times a day on koudijis feeds (1mm) at a rate of 5% bodyweight. The specific growth rate, FCR, survival rate, and weight gain were assessed on a weekly basis. The growth performance of Oreochromis niloticus were highest in blue backgrounds compared to white and black backgrounds. The survival rates of Oreochromis niloticus were highest in blue background(92.83%) compared to white (80.25%) and black backgrounds (71%).Results of this study indicate that tank background color has an effect on the growth performance and survival rate of Nile tilapia fry. Compared to other colors, blue background has a better contrast with food particles which enhance food visibility and subsequent consumption. This allows rapid and increased feed consumption resulting into better growth, survival, and feed utilization. Therefore, this study recommends the use of blue background color for tilapia fry cultured in tanks.