The color of illumination affects the stress response of jundiá (Rhamdia quelen, Quoy & Gaimard, Heptapteridae)

Abstract

This paper provides the first data about physiological responses to stress in jundiá (Rhamdia quelen) exposed to different light colours. Jundiá is a species for fish production in the southern part of South America - and suitable for any region with a temperate or subtropical climates. In order to develop a light management for jundiá fingerlings during indoor maintenance and to understand the relationship between welfare and light colour in the jundiá, fingerlings were exposed to white, blue and green light. At the 10th day of light exposure an acute stressor was imposed. One hour after the application of the stressor, fish were sampled. Stress was assessed by means of cortisol determination. Our results show that green light seems to be the worst alternative to illuminate jundiá indoor experimentation facilities, or even fish transportation. The results also suggests that colour affects the stress response of jundia, and may be usefull for the management of this species.