Growth, survival and stress resistance of Tiger Barb (Puntius tetrazona) larvae fed on linseed oil-enriched Artemia franciscana nauplii

Abstract

Effect of feeding on linseed oil (LO)-enriched Artemia was investigated on growth, survival and stress resistance of tiger barb (Puntius tetrazona) larvae. Larvae were fed by LO-enriched (2.5, 5 and 7.5 %) as well as non-enriched Artemia nauplii for 14 d, followed by 14 d feeding on non-enriched Artemia. Fish fed on enriched nauplii showed significant increase in growth performance at both 14th and 28th d. Also, fish fed on enriched Artemia, especially those fed on 7.5 % LO, showed greater resistance in response to osmotic and hypoxia stress at 28th d. The results suggest that LO enriched Artemia nauplii are capable to promote growth and stress response in tiger barb larvae.