Rearing tank color influences survival and growth of the early larvae of the Yellow catfish, Pelteobagrus fulvidraco, Richardson

A 15 day rearing trial was undertaken to determine the influence of rearing tank color on the survival, growth and whole body physiological indices of stress in the larvae of yellow catfish, Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. Early larvae (4dph) reared in tanks of five different colors (dark blue, black, light green, white and maroon) and fed with freshly hatched Artemia nauplii showed significant differences among treatments with regard to survival and growth. High survival and weight gain were observed among larvae reared in tanks with dark blue and black background. Elevated levels of immunoreactive corticosteroid (IRC), glucose and lactate as well as decreased lysozyme activities were observed in larvae reared in light green and maroon colored tanks throughout the trial, indicating a state of chronic stress. The present study provides the first evidence on the importance of background color during the larviculture of yellow catfish, Pelteobagrus fulvidraco and indicates that dark blue and black are ideal as tank colors to improve survival and growth in early larvae.