Aquaculture America 2026

February 16 - 19, 2026

Las Vegas, Nevada

Add To Calendar 18/02/2026 08:30:0018/02/2026 08:50:00America/Los_AngelesAquaculture America 2026PHYSIOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ASTAXANTHIN IN NILE TILAPIA Oreochromis niloticusLoireThe World Aquaculture Societyjohnc@was.orgfalseDD/MM/YYYYanrl65yqlzh3g1q0dme13067

PHYSIOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ASTAXANTHIN IN NILE TILAPIA Oreochromis niloticus

Nada Dahouk*, Lindee Mason, and Ahmed Mustafa

*Presenting Author

 

Department of Biological Sciences

Purdue University Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Email: mustafaa@pfw.edu

 



This study examines the effects of dietary Astaxanthin supplementation on stress physiology, immune response, and growth performance in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish were assigned to four groups: one control (group 1) and three experimental groups (groups 2-4), each receiving different concentrations of Astaxanthin and Hydrocortisone incorporated into commercially prepared feed. To induce stress, hydrocortisone powder was administered to groups 2, 3, and 4. Over a six-week trial, fish were fed daily at 3% of their body weight. Growth parameters (length and weight) and physiological and immunological indicators (blood glucose, packed cell volume, total protein, and lysozyme activity) were measured at weeks 0 and 6, with additional baseline sampling conducted after a 24-hour purge period. The study aims to determine whether Astaxanthin supplementation can alleviate stress-induced physiological alterations, strengthen immune function, and enhance growth in Nile tilapia. Results are being analyzed. Findings may provide aquaculture producers with a natural and sustainable alternative to antibiotics for improving fish health and performance under stressful conditions.