Growth Performance in Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) Fed with Different Diet Formulations

Neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is a brightly coloured ornamental fish of the family Characidae, widely maintained in freshwater aquaria for its vivid coloration and tolerance to a range of water conditions. This study evaluated the effects of dietary phytoextracts of Spirulina, Ashwagandha, and Moringa using different diet concentrations supplemented along with commercial feed for experimental durations to assess the growth performance and use of feed in neon tetra. Growth performance was analysed in terms of body weight, total length, Specific Growth Rate (SGR%), and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR%). All groups showed significantly improved growth and feed efficiency compared with the control. Ashwagandha at 1.00% (A3) resulted in increased body weight, length, and exhibited higher SGR values. In contrast, FCR decreased in A3 compared to the control. Spirulina and Moringa based diets revealed moderate, consistent, progressive improvements in SGR and FCR with respect to the control. No side effects were observed in any experimental groups. The above findings demonstrate the potential of Ashwagandha, Spirulina, and Moringa phytoextracts as natural growth promoters in ornamental fish nutrition. Adoption of such plant-based additives may improve feed utilization, growth promoters, and support more economically sustainable and eco-friendly ornamental aquaculture practices.