# Effect of Capsicum annuum on antioxidant activity, oocyte development and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in jewel cichlid (Hemichromis guttatus)

## TL;DR

This study shows that adding red pepper to the diet of jewel cichlid fish improves their antioxidant activity, oocyte development, and resistance to a bacterial infection.

## Contribution

The novel finding is that 11% red pepper supplementation optimally enhances antioxidant activity, oocyte maturation, and disease resistance in jewel cichlids.

## Key findings

- Adding 11% and 15% red pepper increased the number of mature oocytes in jewel cichlids.
- Fish fed 11% and 15% red pepper had significantly higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity.
- Fish fed 3%, 7%, and 11% red pepper showed significantly reduced mortality after A. hydrophila infection.

## Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects of 3%, 7%, 11%, and 15% red pepper (Capsicum annuum) supplementation to diet on antioxidant, oocyte development and disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila A210 of jewel cichlid (Hemichromis guttatus). Fifteen fish (3.43 g ± 0.03) were stocked to each aquarium and fed ad libitum for 90 days. At the end of the trial, the number of mature oocytes increased by adding 11% and 15% red pepper to the diets. (P < 0.05). Fish fed diets containing 11% and 15% red pepper showed a significant rise in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (P < 0.05). In addition, fish fed diets containing 3% and 11% red pepper showed disease resistance against A. hydrophila in jewel cichlids. After challenge with A. hydrophila, cumulative mortality rates in fish fed with diets containing 3%, 7%, and 11% red pepper were significantly reduced compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Therefore, using 11% red pepper is appropriate to provide resistance against A. hydrophila infections, increase fertility and antioxidant levels in jewel cichlids (Hemichromis guttatus).