The effect of light intensity and light color on survival and morphological changes of nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry

Abstract

It is well known that fish vision and spectrumpereceptionare strongly related to each species natural habitat and ecology. Recent research data clearly indicate that light spectrum affects farmed fish stress response, physiological status, behaviour, and consequently growth performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects light intensities and colors on the survival and morphological changes of Nile tilapia (Oreochormis niloticus) fry. There were three type of treatment were conducted for 14 days. The first (Tl) and second (T2) was performed by rearing Nile tilapia fry at light intensity of 150 Ix and 300 Ix respectively in difference types of light colors which are white, red, and blue light. The third (T3) was rearing Nile tilapia fry under normal lighting condition as a control. The results showed that there were no significant differences between influences of light intensities and light colors toward survival rate and morphological changes (growth and deformities) of Nile tilapia fry. Based on the result, it is advisable to rearing Nile tilapia fry under white light at either 150 Ix or 300 Ix under white light color for optimum survival rate. For optimum growth rate, it is advisable to rearing Nile tilapia fry either under red light at 150 Ix or under blue light at 300 Ix. There are no deformities development been observed during experiment been conducted. Light spectrum and intensity effects on fish physiological condition require further research and it is clear that light spectrum and intensity should not be neglected when artificial light in indoor fish farming facilities is concerned.