The study was designed to assess the impact of artificial feeding on sensory attributes of steamed fish at fingerling stage reared in monoculture while at grow-out stage reared both in mono and polyculture. The fingerlings of Labeo rohita, Catla catla and Cirrhinus mrigala fed on 40% protein feed showed non-significant effect on sensory attributes compared with control. Similar results were obtained in grow-out monoculture when fed on 35% protein. In polyculture the C. mrigala showed significantly (P<0.05) higher scores for color, oiliness and overall acceptability compared to control and other two species. All three species showed significant differences for flavor, and tenderness in polyculture compared to monoculture. The control fish in polyculture were slightly more yellowish resulting in increased hue angle values. It is concluded that the artificial feed can be used to enhance the growth performance at fingerling stage without interfering the overall sensory quality of fish.

Key words: Aquaculture, Fish growth, Flesh quality, Indian major carps