Effect of LED light color,intensity and photoperiod on growth performance and water quality in Clarias gariepinus

Abstract

Light characteristics such as color, intensity, and photoperiod play a significant role in the growth and development of fish under aquaculture conditions. This study investigated the effects of red, green, and orange LED light treatments at two intensities (30 ± 2 and 60 ± 2 lux) and four exposure durations (4, 6, 8, and 10 hours) on the growth performance of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). A control group without artificial light was maintained for comparison. Water quality parameters—including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrate, and ammonia—were monitored throughout the culture period. Results indicated that catfish reared under red LED light at higher intensity and 6-hour exposure (R1.6) achieved the highest growth, with a mean weight of 75.25 ± 10.14 g and mean length of 21.20 ± 2.41 cm. Conversely, green LED light (G2.6) resulted in the lowest growth performance (weight: 40.92 ± 22.96 g; length: 17.80 ± 0.27 cm). Red light exposure also corresponded with elevated dissolved oxygen levels and reduced ammonia concentrations, contributing to optimal water quality. These findings suggest that red LED lighting enhances both growth performance and environmental conditions in C. gariepinus culture, making it a promising tool for improving aquaculture productivity.