Are color enhancers safe to flowerhorn?

 

Absolutely, all keto-carotenoids in GSR are natural-occuring and could even be given in higher than normal dosages. Astaxanthine in particular is very well recognized for its extremly effective color-enhancing properties for fish -- most particularly for reds, oranges, and yellows.

What makes astaxanthine’s color-enhancing properties a cut above the rest is that it will have several health promoting properties that cannot be found in artificial enahncers. Astaxanthine is a scientifically-proven effective anti-oxidant. So it will be very effective for increased oxygen circulation and muscular development. The most essential health promoting properties of astax may be summarized as such:

-A Vitamin A precursor in fish, much like the role of Beta-Carotene in humans

-an extremely effective anti-stress agent

-minimizes weight loss

-a higher survival rate

-stimulates the fish immunity system

-enhances the liver cells

-enhances glycogen storage (for more fish energy)

-increases the amounts of vitamin A,C, & E

-increases fish fertility

These are just some of the health-promoting effects of astax. More studies are needed. But the beneficial effects are already recognized; they may even be more than outlined above:

Other studies have noted the health-giving effects of astax on other animals. Experiments on cattle and fowl in particular have associated astax with increased resistance to diseases such as salmonella. Chicken fed with small amounts of astax produce eggs with yellower and larger yolks.

Astax has been associated with decreased cholesterol levels in some fish such as salmon, and other mammals. It is also said to be effective against aging, muscular atrophy, rheumatism, even cancer.

There are thus many serious studies currently being undertaken on the applications of astxanthine usage for the health of humans.

The color-promoting properties of astax in fish are already of very high repute. But in the light of recent studies, some have gone even further by suggesting that astax should be considered as an essential vitamin for fish, or at the very least a fertility and growth enhancer.

Perhaps the most immediately notable thing about astax is that it actually increases fertility in fish, since everybody in the hobby knows that standard colour enhancers make fish infertile. Practically everyone in the hobby issues this warning to would-be users. Astax will do precisely the reverse. You’ll get more spawns, and stronger hatchlings.

But as my discussion above has shown, the matter of natural versus artificial enhancers goes way, way beyond fertility. And it should be recognized as such. The issue of general health and longer life is what matters the most.

The contrast of astax with artificial enhancers may be quite startling. Many artificial enhancers may eventually cause renal and kidney failure after prolonged use. They may cause damage to liver tissue. They will therefore tend to decrease the lifespan of a fish. Increased nervousness has likewise been associated with some artificial enahncers. The effects on the reproductive system are already well-known as noted above. In a nutshell, artificial enhancers may tend to do the exact opposite.

It may be unethical for me to say which enhancers are bad and which are good, which are artificial and which are not. All we have to say is that we have always made it a point -- and in our own humble way -- to be somehow at breast with the latest in fish nutrition. And we could only deal with those who are at the very forefront of all-natural fish nutrition technologies. We believe fish health comes first. And if our foods give results that are as effective, or actually even more effective than others with artificial enhancers, then we’d be left with the sweet and savory satisfaction of a job well done.

The whole point of this digression is as follows: The colour results will speak for themselves. But the less evident results, or the more unknown facts, must definitely be made known. With a high astax pellet, you get very radiant-colours, and much, much more; including a very healthy, robust, and longer-living fish.