TITLE:
Color of Vertically-Suspended Structure Does Not Impact the Growth of Rainbow Trout Reared in Circular Tanks
AUTHORS:
Edgar Meza, Misty D. Jones, Nathan Huysman, Jill M. Voorhees, Michael E. Barnes
KEYWORDS:
Environmental Enrichment, Oncorhynchus mykiss, Salmonids, Color
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
Vol.10 No.4,
October
9,
2020
ABSTRACT: This study examined the effects of five different colors of
vertically-suspended environmental enrichment on the growth of juvenile Shasta
strain rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during hatchery rearing in
circular tanks. The colors used were silver
(unpainted aluminum—control), safety red, semi-gloss
black, hunter green, and safety blue. After 86 days, total tank weight,
weight gain, and feed conversion ration were not significantly different among
any of the color treatments. Individual fish weights, lengths, and condition
factors were also not significantly different among the treatments. The results
of this study indicate that the relatively small amount of color present on the
suspended structure did not affect rainbow trout growth. Thus, the inherent
silver color of the aluminum angles does not need to be changed.