& nbsp;& nbsp;?The effect of aquarium color background on the survival, growth performance, body coloration, and enzymatic activity of laboratory cultured Cherax quadricarinatus juveniles

The effect of different background colors (red, yellow, blue, green, white, and black) on crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus juveniles was evaluated over a 50-day rearing period. Survival, growth, body color, and enzymatic activity were assessed. At the experiment's conclusion, survival, growth, and weight were calculated. Body color was analyzed using Lab color composition, and enzyme activities (amylase, lipase, superoxide dismutase, catalase) were assessed in the dissected hepatopancreas. Results showed no effect of background color on survival rate (P > 0.05). However, crayfish reared against black and red backgrounds exhibited significantly higher weight, growth rate, and condition factor compared to those on white and yellow backgrounds (P < 0.05). Background color also influenced body color, with deeper coloration observed on claws, tail, and abdomen against white, yellow, green, red, black, and blue backgrounds. Crayfish on white and yellow backgrounds showed similar coloration (?E = 1.69), in contrast to specimens cultured against the blue background (?E = 23.94). The amylase (AMS) activity varied, with the highest in black backgrounds and the lowest in blue. Lipase (LPS) activity did not differ significantly except for lower activity in the blue and green background. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was highest in the red background and lowest in the green background. Catalase (CAT) activity varied significantly, with the highest in red and black groups and inhibitory activity in green. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms behind enzymatic activity variations due to background color. The effect of environmental conditions on body color modification should be considered in C. quadricarinatus juvenile culture. Dark backgrounds are recommended for growth, while light backgrounds should be avoided.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the effects of different background colors on crayfish juveniles. The results showed that crayfish reared against black and red backgrounds had higher weight, growth rate, and condition factor. Background color also influenced body color and enzyme activities.