Estimation of Arachidonic Acid Requirement for Improvement of Pre‐maturation Growth and Egg and Larval Quality in the Female Blue Gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus; Pallas, 1770): A Model for the Anabantidae Family

Abstract This study investigates the dietary arachidonic acid (ARA) requirement from juvenile to maturation stage in an anabantid model fish, the blue gourami, Trichopodus trichopterus . Specifically we determined the optimum dietary ARA content to maximize juvenile growth and subsequent sexual maturation and to improve the quality of their eggs and offspring. Five experimental diets containing 0.02, 0.53, 1.05, 1.60, and 2.12% ARA (of dry weight) were fed to juveniles over 5 mo. The results showed that whole‐body fatty acid profile of broodstock significantly changed in fish fed diets of different ARA content (ANOVA, P < 0.003). The highest contents of 18:2n‐6 and Σn‐6 were obtained in fish fed 0.53% ARA, and a decreasing trend was observed with elevated dietary ARA levels. Monthly specific growth rate (SGR) measurements revealed significant differences in the juvenile stage, but the SGR of broodstock was unaffected by dietary ARA. Protein and ash content of whole‐body broodstock showed no differences among groups, while lipid content decreased as ARA levels increased. Maximum volume of the oocyte was obtained in the 1.05% ARA group, while the yolk sac size increased as dietary ARA increased. The optimum growth and survival of the larvae produced by broodstock were recorded in the 2.12 and 1.6% ARA groups, respectively. It was concluded that despite the presumed ability of freshwater fish to synthesize and meet their highly unsaturated fatty acid requirements, dietary ARA higher than 1.05% had significant stimulatory effects on growth of juveniles but no obvious influence on the growth of matured fish. Also, higher ARA levels (1.6–2.12%) were found to improve the quality of eggs and offspring.