In vitro protein digestibility of different grow‐out stages of spotted rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus,Steindachner, 1869)

The aim of this study was to compare in vitro protein digestibility between two groups of fish, at early (21 g) and late stages (400 g) of spotted rose snapper Lutjanus guttatus, to evaluate the degree of hydrolysis (DH) and total amino acid release (TAAR) using crude extracts from stomach, pyloric caeca and intestine of 13 protein ingredients including marine, animal and plant meals. Degree of hydrolysis and TAAR were measured by a pH‐Stat method, and the PAGE‐Zymogram was also used as complementary technique. Differences in DH were found between both grow‐out stages mainly in the alkaline hydrolysis phase. Fish and squid meals (marine sources) had the highest DH and TAAR, followed by porcine meat and poultry meal by‐products from recycling sources, and soybean and canola meals (plant sources), which represent better protein sources for use in practical diets. Stomach zymograms showed two pepsin isoforms in both grow‐out stages. Pyloric caeca and intestine zymograms showed five bands with proteolytic activity in the early grow‐out stage, whereas four additional bands were found in late grow‐out stage. Alkaline proteases were identified as serine and metalloproteases. Thus, L. guttatus presents an ontogenetically differentiated digestive enzyme pattern that modifies the DH and TAAR of different protein sources.     

Development of digestive enzyme activity in spotted rose snapper,Lutjanus guttatus (Steindachner, 1869) larvae

We describe digestive enzyme activity during the larval development of spotted rose snapper, Lutjanus guttatus. Trypsin, chymotrypsin, leucine aminopeptidase, pepsin, amylase, lipase, and acid and alkaline phosphatase activities were evaluated using spectrophotometric techniques from hatching through 30 days. The spotted rose snapper larvae present the same pattern of digestive enzyme activity previously reported for other species in which pancreatic (i.e., trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylase, and lipase) and intestinal (i.e., acid and alkaline phosphatases and leucine aminopeptidase) enzymatic activities are present from hatching allowing the larvae to digest and absorb nutrients in the yolk-sac and live prey by the time of first feeding. The digestive and absorption capacity of the spotted rose snapper increases during the larval development. A significant increase in individual activity of all enzymes occurs at 20 DAH, and around 25 DAH, the juvenile-type of digestion is observed with the appearance of pepsin secreted by the stomach, suggesting that maturation of the digestive function occurs around 20–25 DAH. Our results are in agreement with a previous suggestion that early weaning may be possible from 20 DAH. However, the patterns of enzymatic activities reported in our study should be considered during the formulation of an artificial diet for early weaning of the spotted rose snapper.     

Evaluation of apparent digestibility coefficients of individual feed ingredients in spotted rose snapper Lutjanus guttatus (Steindachner, 1869)

Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) for dry matter, crude protein, energy and essential amino acids for five commonly used feed ingredients were determined for juvenile spotted rose snapper Lutjanus guttatus (average body weight 90.6 g). ADCs were determined using the stripping technique to collect faeces after fish were fed a reference diet and test diets composed of 700 g kg^?1 reference diet and 300 g kg^?1 test ingredient. Chromic oxide (Cr₂O₃) was used as an inert indicator. Ingredients tested included sardine fishmeal (FM), canola meal (CM), tuna by‐products meal (TBM), poultry by‐product meal pet grade (PBM‐PG) and solvent‐extracted soybean meal (SBM). In general, all ingredients showed high digestibility values for all essential amino acids, although differences were detected among ingredients. ADC values for dry matter, protein and energy ranged 77.0–80.4%, 84.3–82.5% and 89–88.8%, respectively, for marine ingredient and land‐based animal protein sources, and 75.0–74.2%, 81.5–80.9% and 87.4–86.8%, respectively, for the plant‐based protein source. SBM, TBM and PBM‐PG should be further evaluated in feeding trials as partial FM replacements in rose snapper L. guttatus diets. Knowledge of ADC values for these ingredients will allow feed producers to develop nutritionally balanced, low‐cost feed formulations for this species.     

Ascorbic acid requirement and histopathological changes due to its deficiency in juvenile spotted rose snapper Lutjanus guttatus (Steindachner, 1869)

A 13-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the optimal dietary ascorbic acid (AA) requirement of juvenile spotted rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus). Six experimental diets containing 0, 7, 19, 29, 62 and 250 mg AA equivalent kg^?1 diet, supplied as l-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate designated as VC0, VC7, VC19, VC29, VC62 and VC250, were fed ad libitum to triplicate groups of 20 juveniles [initial weight (IW) of 8 ± 1.85 g]. Nutrient deficiency resulting in fin erosion, dark skin, desquamation and erratic swimming was observed after 8 weeks in fish fed diets from 0 to 29 mg AA kg^?1. Fish that were fed all diets showed gill, kidney and brain alterations. The degree of tissue change values indicates that increasing vitamin C (VC) levels reduces these alterations. Fish fed diets VC29, VC62 and VC 250 showed a significantly higher growth rate in comparison with those fed the diets VC0, VC7 and VC17 (P > 0.05). The dietary requirement of VC in L. guttatus was estimated to be 29 mg kg^?1 of AA based on weight gain and specific growth rate, but more than 250 mg kg^?1 of AA is required to eliminate clinical signs and histopathological lesions.     

The potential of pet‐grade poultry by‐product meal to replace fish meal in the diet of the juvenile spotted rose snapper Lutjanus guttatus (Steindachner, 1869)

A 12‐week feeding trial was conducted to examine the replacement of fish meal with pet‐grade poultry by‐product meal (PBM‐PG) in the spotted rose snapper Lutjanus guttatus diet. Five experimental diets were formulated to contain graded levels of PBM‐PG at proportion of 250, 500, 75 or 900 g kg^?1. The control diet contained sardine fish meal as the main protein source. Four groups of 15 randomly assigned L. guttatus juveniles were fed to satiation 3 times day^?1. Except for the fish fed the PBM‐PG90 diet, the growth performance, survival and feed utilization efficiency of the experimental fish were not significantly lower than those of the control fish. The dietary level of PBM‐PG did significantly affect the haematological characteristics (P < 0.05). The dietary dry matter and protein apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) decreased with increasing dietary PBM‐PG. High values for lipid ADCs were observed in all diets, with significant differences among the dietary treatments. The fish whole‐body protein, moisture, lipid and ash contents were not affected by the inclusion of dietary PBM. These results indicate that high‐quality terrestrial PBM can successfully replace more than half of the marine fish meal protein in the L. guttatus diet.     

Effect of incubation temperature on the embryonic development and yolk‐sac larvae of the Pacific red snapper Lutjanus peru (Nichols & Murphy, 1922)

The effect of incubation temperature on embryonic development and yolk‐sac larva of the Pacific red snapper Lutjanus peru were evaluated by testing the effect of 26, 28 and 30°C, as this is the natural thermal interval reported during the spawning season of Pacific red snapper in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Sixteen developmental stages were observed. The incubation temperature affected the rate of development and time to hatching, being shorter at 30 than at 26°C, but no significant effect (P < 0.05) on larval length at hatching was registered. The depletion rate of yolk sac and oil globule was affected by incubation temperature particularly during the first 12 h post hatching (hph). At the end of the experiment (48 hph), significantly (P < 0.05) larger larvae were recorded at 26°C (TL = 3.22 ± 0.01 mm) than at 28° (TL = 3.01 ± 0.02 mm) and 30°C (TL = 2.97 ± 0.05 mm). Incubation of newly fertilized eggs at 26°C produces larger larvae, which may help to improve feeding efficiency and survival during first feeding.     

Organogenesis of the digestive system in Pacific red snapper (Lutjanus peru) larvae

This study reports the ontogenetic development of the digestive system of larval Pacific red snapper (Lutjanus peru), an important candidate species for aquaculture on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Histological sections of larvae were cut and dyed using the haematoxylin–eosin technique. The development of the digestive tract of Pacific red snapper larvae follows a general pattern of differentiation that can be divided into three stages. Stage I lasted from 1–3 days post hatching (DPH) and included the endogenous nutrition period; it was characterized by the initial differentiation of the digestive tract in preparation for the onset of exogenous feeding (3 DPH). At this time, the digestive tract was differentiated into buccopharynx, oesophagus, stomach anlage, anterior intestine, posterior intestine and a short rectum. The liver, pancreas and kidney were also present. The mouth and anus were open. Stage II occurred after first feeding, lasted for 16 days (4–23 DPH) and included both preflexion and flexion larvae. The main changes that occurred during this stage reflected the adaptation to exogenous feeding and the concomitant growth. Stage III (24–30 DPH) included post‐flexion larvae and started with the appearance of the gastric glands and pyloric caeca. The presence of the gastric glands suggests that early weaning during culture trials of the Pacific red snapper larvae may be possible at this early age.     

Structural development of Pacific red snapper Lutjanus peru from hatching to the onset of first feeding

Successful rearing of larval fish requires culture conditions and feeding strategies matching the ontogenetic status of larvae. This study describes the external morphology and development of organs and structures involved in the feeding process (i.e. sensorial organs, mouthparts and digestive system) from hatching until first feeding in Pacific red snapper. Hatching occurred 26 h after fertilization at 26°C and total length (TL) was 2.45 ± 0.08 mm. The larvae showed an undifferentiated eye and digestive tract. At 48 hah, TL was 3.31 ± 0.12 mm. Yolk and oil globule were still present. The mouth was still closed, but the Meckel's, quadrate, hyoid and hyomandibular cartilages were present. The retina was formed by 5 layers, and a thin layer of pigment epithelium was observed in the outer nuclear layer (ONL). At 70 hah, TL was 3.44 ± 0.22 mm. A remnant of oil globule was still present. The mouth and anus were open. At 93 hah, the number of cones in the ONL of the retina have increased and there was more pigment in the pigment epithelial layer. A joint between Meckel's and the quadrate cartilage and also a joint between the hyomandibular cartilage and the skull were present. The presence of live feed was detected in the digestive tract of these larvae. Based on these observations, the Pacific red snapper larvae is functional to start ingesting live feed between the 3rd and 4th day after hatching.     

Effects of different feeding level on the growth, feed efficiency and body composition of juvenile mangrove red snapper, Lutjanus argentimaculatus (Forsskal 1775)

The effects of several feeding levels (1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4% and 4.5% of body weight per day, BW day⁻¹) on the growth, feed efficiency and body composition of juvenile Lutjanus argentimaculatus (body weight 27.1 g) were examined. Fish were fed a test diet (40% protein, 18.4% lipid and 13.4 kJ g⁻¹) for 75 days in three equal meals. Weight gain and specific growth rate increased with increasing feeding level up to 2.5% BW day⁻¹, after which no significant improvement in growth was observed. The feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio, retention of protein and digestibility of nutrients did not differ for fish fed 1–2.5% BW day⁻¹, but decreased significantly when feeding levels were increased above 3% BW day⁻¹. The chemical compositions of whole fish or body organs were significantly affected by the feeding level. The condition factor, mesenteric fat, hepato- and viscerosomatic indices were higher in fish fed 2.5–4.5% BW day⁻¹. The cholesterol, triglycerides and haematocrit values were similar among treatments, except that high levels of plasma lipids were recorded in fish fed at 2.5% BW day⁻¹. Taking into consideration the growth, feed efficiency and body composition data attained in this study, a feeding level of 2.5% BW day⁻¹ is recommended for juvenile L. argentimaculatus weighing between 27 and 140 g.     

Growth and feeding responses of the mutton snapper,Lutjanus analis (Cuvier 1828), fed on diets with soy protein concentrate in replacement of Anchovy fish meal

This study evaluated the growth (first phase) and feeding responses (second phase) of juvenile mutton snapper fed four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets with increasing levels of soy protein concentrate (SPC) in substitution to fish meal (FM). The FM was replaced by SPC at 0% (basal diet, SPC000), 33% (SPC130), 57% (SPC214) and 77% (SPC300). After 95 days of rearing, fish fed SPC300 attained a significantly lower body weight (54.9 ± 13.2 g) compared with those fed diets SPC000, SPC130 and SPC214 (76.5 ± 14.0 g, 73.9 ± 13.8 g and 70.5 ± 14.0 g respectively). Fish yield increased significantly from 891 ± 36 g m^?3 for fish fed SPC300 to an average of 1099 ± 111 g m^?3 for other diets. A maximum fish body weight gain of 0.60 ± 0.05 g day^?1 and a maximum specific growth rate of 1.47 ± 0.07% day^?1 were achieved for SPC000. Behavioural assays conducted during 10 days revealed the loss in fish growth with diets containing higher levels of SPC was due to a decline in feed intake. Low feed intake driven by a poor feed palatability appeared to have been a major obstacle against higher inputs of SPC in diets for mutton snapper.     

The effects of varying dietary protein level on growth,feed conversion,body composition and apparent digestibility coefficient of juvenile mangrove red snapper,Lutjanus argentimaculatus (Forsskal 1775)

The effects of several dietary protein levels on the growth, feed conversion, body composition and diet digestibility of juvenile Lutjanus argentimaculatus (body weight 12.3 g) were examined. Seven isolipidic (7.4%) diets were formulated to contain graded levels of protein (28–58%) with dietary energy ranging from 19.7 to 21.5 kJ g^?1. Diets were distributed to triplicate groups of fish thrice a day at ration of 2% body weight for 90 days. Growth, feed conversion, protein utilization and digestibility of nutrients increased with increasing dietary protein level up to 43%, after which no significant improvement was observed. Digestibility of dry matter and energy showed a concomitant increase with the reduction in dietary wheat meal, attaining maximal values with high protein diets. No significant differences were detected in moisture, protein, lipid and ash content of whole fish or body organs as dietary protein increased. The mesenteric fat, hepato‐ and viscerosomatic indices decreased with increasing protein level. The cholesterol, triglycerides and haematocrit values were similar among treatments, except that high levels of plasma lipids were recorded above 43% protein diet. The use of a practical diet containing 43% protein is appropriate for the growth of L. argentimaculatus juveniles under the experimental conditions of the present study.     

Investment analysis of marine cage culture by applying bioeconomic reference points: A case study of the spotted rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus) in Mexico

In Mexico, marine finfish cage culture is envisioned as an economic alternative for coastal fishermen. Because research and outreach have not yet proved that this is profitable, assessing the investment through financial risk assessment and setting reference points for expected outcomes is useful. For Lutjanus guttatus, this research reports on a 10-year investment analysis of a pilot-scale, ongrowing four-cage module tested in Mazatlán, Mexico that incorporated a) hatchery-reared fry, b) species-specific feed and c) a second-generation prototype cage, all of them results of almost a decade of research. Two production scenarios were examined: Scenario I, with a high survival rate (90%–95%) and a low feed conversion ratio (FCR) (1.4–1.7), and Scenario II, with a low survival rate (67%–75%) and a high FCR (1.8–2.0). The net present value results are positive for Scenario I (mean?=?US$134,709, and a 95% probability interval (PI) [US$91,621; US$176,436]) and negative for Scenario II (mean?=?US-$79,082, 95% PI [US-$116,140; US-$42,054]). To identify feasibility improvement, reference points (threshold values) for survival, FCR, fry and feed costs were determined.     

The effect of temperature and duration of incubation on the hatching of diapause eggs of Centropages hamatus (Lilljeborg) (Copepoda, Calanoida)

Diapause eggs of Centropages hamatus were used to investigate the effect of temperature and duration of incubation on egg hatching. Eggs were incubated for 10, 12, 14, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36 and 40 h at 15°C and 14L–10D. After incubation for the designated period, eggs were transferred to 25°C and monitored periodically to determine egg hatching. Control eggs were incubated solely at 15°C and monitored for egg hatching. The greatest daily hatching success of eggs occurred within 1 or 2 days after transfer from 15°C to 25°C, while the controls required 3–4 days. The cumulative hatching success of eggs was significantly lower than the control, with the exception of eggs held for at least 36 h at 15°C before transfer to 25°C. These results indicate that overall time to hatching of diapause eggs of C. hamatus can be reduced by transferring the eggs to a higher temperature, for example, 25°C, following a minimum period of time (36 h) at reduced temperature, for example, 15°C. Exposure to 15°C for only 10 h does not appear to be sufficient to result in any subsequent hatching at higher temperature.     

Partial replacement of fishmeal by defatted soybean meal in formulated diets for the mangrove red snapper, Lutjanus argentimaculatus (Forsskal 1775)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect on growth and feed efficiencies of the mangrove red snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus) when dietary fishmeal is partially replaced by defatted soybean meal (DSM). In the preliminary experiment, snapper (mean weight±SD, 58.22±5.28 g) were fed in triplicate with different dietary amounts of DSM (7.8–42.2%) that were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric. After 14 weeks, survival, growth and feed efficiencies, and hepatosomatic index (HSI) did not differ. Based on these results, a feeding trial was done using a positive control diet that contained 64% fishmeal, while the other four diets had DSM levels of 12%, 24%, 36%, and 48% that replaced fishmeal protein at 12.5%, 25%, 37.5%, and 50% respectively. All diets were formulated to have about the same protein level (50%), protein to energy ratio (P/E of 25‐mg protein kJ^?1), and dietary energy (19.8 MJ kg^?1). These were fed to triplicate groups of snapper (mean total weight tank^?1±SD, 73.19±1.2 g) at 15 fish (average weight, 4.88 g) per 1.5‐t tank for 19 weeks. Growth (final average weight and specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival, and HSI were not significantly different (P>0.05) while protein efficiency ratios or PERs were similar in treatments with DSM. Among snapper fed DSM, haematocrit value was significantly lower in fish fed 48% DSM and not different with fish fed 36% DSM. Whole‐body crude fat of snapper fed 48% DSM was lowest while the crude protein and nitrogen‐free extract (NFE) levels were highest. Histopathological analysis showed that lipid vacuoles in livers of snapper were reduced in size as dietary DSM increased. There was slight lipid deposition in the liver of snapper at 36% DSM while at 48% DSM it was excessive and hepatocytes were necrotic. There were no differences in the histology of snapper intestine. Under the experimental condition of this study, DSM can be used in snapper diets at 24% (replacing 25% of fishmeal protein) based on growth, survival and feed efficiencies, and histology of liver and intestine. For a lesser diet cost, an inclusion level higher than 24% DSM is possible with a bioavailable phosphorus supplement.     

Effect of dietary protein and lipid levels and protein to energy ratios on growth, survival and body composition of the mangrove red snapper, Lutjanus argentimaculatus (Forsskal 1775)

The approximate levels of dietary protein and energy that would sustain good growth and survival of the mangrove red snapper Lutjanus argentimaculatus (Forsskal) were determined in two feeding experiments. In the preliminary experiment, six fish meal‐based diets were formulated to contain three protein levels (35%, 42.5% and 50%) and two lipid levels (6% and 12%) for each protein, with dietary energy ranging from 14.6 MJ kg^?1 to 20.5 MJ kg^?1. The protein to energy (P/E) ratios of diets ranged from 20.6 mg protein kJ^?1 to 27.5 mg protein kJ^?1. Diets were fed for 100 days to triplicate groups of snappers with an average initial weight of 24.8 ± 0.4 g. No significant interaction between different levels of protein and lipid was observed. Survival rates (93.8% to 100%), feed conversion ratios (FCR) (2.61–3.06) and condition factors (K) were not affected by different dietary treatments. Regardless of lipid level, fish fed 50% protein diets had a significantly higher specific growth rate (SGR) than fish fed the 35% protein diets, but not compared with the 42.5% diets (P < 0.05). Increasing lipid to 12% in all protein levels resulted in no improvement in growth over the 6% level. Fish body moisture did not vary while lipid levels based on dry matter were high (27.9% to 33.7%). Snapper appear to require more than 40% dietary protein and a high dietary energy level for good growth. In the second experiment, fish (21.1 ± 0.1 g) in four replicate groups were fed for 94 days with three diets (39%, 44% and 49% protein with P/E ratios of 21.1, 23.3 and 25.5 mg protein kJ^?1 respectively) containing similar dietary energy levels of about 19 MJ kg^?1. Average final weight, SGR and FCR were significantly higher in diets containing 44% and 49% protein diets (P > 0.05). There were no differences in survival rates, protein efficiency ratio (PER) and nutrient composition of snapper flesh. All fish had fatty livers. Results indicated that the diet containing 44% protein with a P/E ratio of 23.3 mg protein kJ^?1 was optimum for snapper growth under the experimental conditions used in the study.     

Effects of culture conditions on feeding response of larval Pacific red snapper ( Lutjanus peru, Nichols & Murphy) at first feeding

Feeding incidence or number of larvae with preys (FIC) and intensity or number of prey per larvae (FIT) at first feeding of Pacific red snapper ( Lutjanus peru) larvae was investigated under different conditions: prey type (rotifer and copepod nauplius) and density, nauplii size, light intensity, water temperature, salinity and microalgae concentration. Rotifers were not consumed at any prey density and FIC increased significantly when a high nauplii density (10 > 1, 0.1 mL^?1) and light intensity (2000 > 1000, 500, 0 lx) were supplied. In a multifactorial experiment where light intensity (2000, 2500, 3000 lx), tank colour (grey and black) and prey type (nauplii and a mixed diet: rotifers and nauplii) were tested, a significant difference was found only for light intensity and prey type with a significant interaction between these factors. FIC was significantly higher with nauplii stage I–III than IV–VI and also at 25 °C than at 28 °C. Green water (0, 0.3 × 10⁶ or 1 × 10⁶ cells mL^?1) and salinity (25, 30, 35 gL^?1) did not affect FIC. FIT was not affected by any variables tested except in the density experiment where it was significantly higher at 10 nauplii mL^?1.     

The effects of dietary protein and lipid on growth and body composition of juvenile and sub-adult red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus (Poey, 1860)

To allow for the initial identification of practical diet formulations for red snapper culture, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding varying levels of dietary protein and lipid on growth and body composition of juvenile and sub‐adult red snapper. Twelve diets were formulated to contain varying levels of dietary protein and lipid. In trial 1, juvenile red snapper (initial mean weight 5.9 g) were offered diets with graded levels of dietary protein (32%, 36%, 40%, 44%) and practical energy to protein ratios. In trial 2, juvenile red snapper (initial mean weight 8.64 g) were offered isonitrogenous diets (44% protein) containing graded levels of dietary lipid (8%, 10%, 12%, 14%). Sub‐adult fish (initial mean weight 151.5 g) were used in trial 3 and maintained on diets similar to those of trial 1 (32–44% protein). Sub‐adult fish (initial mean weight 178.3 g) in trial 4 were offered isonitrogenous diets containing 32% dietary protein and graded levels of dietary lipid (6%, 8%, 10%, 12%). There were no significant differences in growth, feed efficiency ratio (FER) or survival in juvenile fish. Juvenile fish offered 32% dietary protein exhibited a significantly greater (P=0.0497) protein conversion efficiency (PCE) than fish offered a diet containing 44% dietary protein. Juvenile fish in trial 2 also had significantly higher (P=0.005) intraperitoneal fat ratios (IPFRs) at 14% dietary lipid than fish offered diets containing 8–10% dietary lipid, and displayed trends towards greater protein as a percent of whole‐body composition at 8–10% dietary lipid. Sub‐adult snapper in trials 3 and 4 showed no significant differences in growth, FER or survival. However, in trial 4 there was a general trend towards increased % weight gain (P=0.0615), FER (P=0.0601) and final mean weight (P=0.0596) with increasing levels of dietary lipid. Fish in trial 4 offered 6% dietary lipid also had significantly lower (P=0.0439) IPFR and PCE (P=0.0188) than fish offered 12% dietary lipid. Based on data obtained from these trials, inclusion of dietary protein at levels of 32–36% appears sufficient to support growth. For this level of protein, dietary lipid should be ～10% in order to meet the energetic demands of the fish and to spare dietary protein for growth.     

Effects of dietary astaxanthin concentration and feeding period on the skin pigmentation of Australian snapper Pagrus auratus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)

A single‐factor experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary astaxanthin concentration on the skin colour of snapper. Snapper (mean weight=129 g) were held in white cages and fed one of seven dietary levels of unesterified astaxanthin (0, 13, 26, 39, 52, 65 or 78 mg astaxanthin kg^?1) for 63 days. Treatments comprised four replicate cages, each containing five fish. The skin colour of all fish was quantified using the CIE L^*, a^*, b^* colour scale after 21, 42 and 63 days. In addition, total carotenoid concentrations of the skin of two fish cage^?1 were determined after 63 days. Supplementing diets with astaxanthin strongly affected redness (a^*) and yellowness (b^*) values of the skin at all sampling times. After 21 days, the a^* values increased linearly as the dietary astaxanthin concentration was increased before a plateau was attained between 39 and 78 mg kg^?1. The b^* values similarly increased above basal levels in all astaxanthin diets. By 42 days, a^* and b^* values increased in magnitude while a plateau remained between 39 and 78 mg kg^?1. After 63 days, there were no further increases in measured colour values, suggesting that maximum pigmentation was imparted in the skin of snapper fed diets >39 mg kg^?1 after 42 days. Similarly, there were no differences in total carotenoid concentrations of the skin of snapper fed diets >39 mg kg^?1 after 63 days. The plateaus that occurred in a^* and b^* values, while still increasing in magnitude between 21 and 42 days, indicate that the rate of astaxanthin deposition in snapper is limited and astaxanthin in diets containing >39 mg astaxanthin kg^?1 is not efficiently utilized. Astaxanthin retention after 63 days was greatest from the 13 mg kg^?1 diet; however, skin pigmentation was not adequate. An astaxanthin concentration of 39 mg kg^?1 provided the second greatest retention in the skin while obtaining maximum pigmentation. To efficiently maximize skin pigmentation, snapper growers should commence feeding diets containing a minimum of 39 mg unesterified astaxanthin kg^?1 at least 42 days before sale.