Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science1816-49271996-0751Academic Journals Inc.10.3923/jfas.2020.22.26Amatitlania nigrofasciata)]]>Mohammad RezaeiDavoud 12020151Background and Objective: Saponin is one of the most common compounds in plant that can have a wide biological effect on organisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of saponins on growth performance in male and female fish. Materials and Methods: Forty two male and female of convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) were fed with a diet containing three different levels of saponin (150, 300 and 700 mg kg1 of food) for 21 days. Results: Measurement of growth indices and food efficiency showed that saponin in high doses can change the growth performance and related indicators. In both sexes, the saponin has led to an increase in specific growth rate and improved body weight increasing and food efficiency. It was achieved at a level of 700 mg kg1 food for male, while for female, it at the level of 300 mg kg1 of food. Conclusion: The presence of saponin in the diet with certain amounts can improve the growth performance and food efficiency. Results showed some differences according to gender in several factors. So, it seems effect of saponin on growth performance and food efficiency is depends on gender and species.]]>Manesh, T.Z. and J.Z. Zahra,20132013Gatlin III, D.M., F.T. Barrows, P. Brown, K. Dabrowski and T.G. Gaylord et al.,200738551579Francis, G., H.P.S. Makkar and K. Beckera,2005Quillaja saponins-A natural growth promoter for fish.]]>121147157Chen, W., Q. Ai, K. Mai, W. Xu, Z. Liufu, W. Zhang and Y. Cai,2011Paralichthys olivaceus).]]>31895100Sorensen, M., M. Penn, A. El-Mowafi, T. Storebakken, C. Chunfang, M. Overland and A. Krogdahl,2011Salmo salar, L).]]>314145152Francis, G., H.P.S. Makkar and K. Becker,2002Quillaja saponin supplemented diet on growth and metabolism of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.).]]>24343350Francis, G., H.P.S. Makkar and K. Becker,2001Quillaja saponins on growth, metabolism, egg production and muscle cholesterol in individually reared Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).]]>129105114Francis, G., H.P.S. Makkar and K. Becker,2002Quillaja saponin mixture improves growth performance and metabolic efficiency in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.).]]>203311320Tayebi, L., D. Mohammdrezaei, S.S. Ardakani and M. Cheraghi,2011Acipenser persicus) at different level of dietary protein.]]>2011pp: 365367Chegini, H.R., A.K. Amirkolaie, S.A. Jafarpour and F. Firouzbakhsh,2012Quillaja saponaria) on the growth performance and body composition of rainbow trout larvae (Oncorhynchus mykiss).]]>1114, (In Persian)Gee, J.M. and I.T. Johnson,198811813911397Serrano, Jr. A.E.,2013Quillaja saponins on growth, feed efficiency, digestive enzyme activities and metabolism of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L).]]>19468474Petterson, D.S., M. Choct, C.J. Rayner, D.J. Harris and A.B. Blakeney,199950775788Ash, R.,19851985pp: 68-93pp: 68-93