Effect of paprika pepper powder (Capsicum annum) on blood parameters of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

In this study the effect of paprika pepper powder on the blood parameters of Zebrafish was evaluated. A total number of 480 zebrafish with 0.05g initial body weight and total length of 1.71 mm were randomly to 4 treatments (with three replications) and were divided into 12 aquariums. For this purpose, experimental diets with control group without any additive (control diet), 1(treatment 1), 2 (treatment 2), and 3 (treatment 3) percent of paprika powder were reared for 56 days. At the end of the experiment period, the results showed that some blood parameters did not significantly differ among treatments (P>0.05). However, the highest number of white blood cells was recorded in treatments 2 and 3 compared to other groups (P<0.05). Also, the differential count of leukocytes showed that the highest percentage of lymphocytes and monocytes were observed in 2 and 3 % treatments compared to the control group (P<0.05). In general, oral administration of paprika powder, especially at 3% can improve some blood parameters of zebrafish.