COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON THE TOTAL PIGMENT AND PIGMENT COMPONENTS OF GOLDFISH

The study was conducted to investigate the total pigment components of different breeds of goldfish by spectrophotometer and thin-layer chromatography. The results showed the spectrum of total pigment of Red color crucian. Grass goldfish and Red Dragon-eye had one absorption peaks in visible region( 472nm). The spectrum of total pigment of Black carp and Black Dragoneye had two similar absorption peaks in visible region( 450nm and 472nm). The pigment components of different breeds of Red color goldfish were mainly Red pigment( astaxanthin). The pigment components of different breeds of Black color goldfish were mainly apricot or orange pigment. The black spots of goldfish may be formed when melanin covered other pigment, other color spots may be formed when the pigment component of all kinds were mixed in proper proportions. The more the relation of color spots is close, the more the total pigment component is similar. Red color crucian and Black carp had same pigment components of four kinds, Red Dragon-eye and Black Dragon-eye had the same pigment components of six kinds, although there are four pigment components, which are close to the ones in Red color crucian and Black carp in the body of Grass goldfish, but Grass goldfishps RF has slight difference with Red color crucian and Black carp. As above, Red color crucian and Black carp, Red Dragon-eye and Black Dragon-eye probably are close relatives, respectively, and the category of Grass goldfish may possibly fall between Black carp and Dragon-eye, which has a closer relative with Black carp. This study will give help to the research and development of goldfish color-adding diet and further enhancement of goldfish ornamental value and market value.