Effect of age,size and digestive tract development on weaning effectiveness in crucian carp,Carassius carassius (Linnaeus, 1758)

The study aim was to determine the optimum age, wet body weight (WBW) and total length (TL) of the crucian carp, Carassius carassius (L.), to ensure the effectiveness of weaning directly without a gradual transfer from live food to a compound feed. Moreover, the state of development of the digestive tract was analyzed histologically based on the height of enterocytes. Experimental rearing was conducted between days 5 and 45 post hatch (DPH). Initial WBW of fish was 2.2 ± 0.6 (n = 30) mg and TL 6.1 ± 0.1 (n = 30) mm. Rearing was carried out at 27 ± 0.5°C, with fish divided into six groups: one control (C) fed with Artemia sp. nauplii, and five groups initially fed with Artemia sp. but later replaced by a compound feed. Weaning with the compound diet started at 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 DPH in groups labeled F15, F20, F25, F30, F35, respectively. Larvae were fed three times per day (08.00 h, 13.00 h, 18.00 h) in equal portions (4% of larvae biomass per day, converted to the dry matter of the feed). Daily biomass growth was adopted as 15%. Each group was triplicated (n = 50 individuals per replicate). Highest values of TL 42.1 ± 0.7 (n = 30) mm and WBW 905.3 ± 50.3 (n = 30) mg were recorded in the control group at 45 DPH; lowest survival rate of 45 DPH was in group F15 (90.7 ± 1.2%, n = 30). The highest value of the enterocyte epithelial length was observed in individuals within groups F30, 34.8 ± 1.2 μm (n = 30) and F35, 35.4 ± 3.6 μm (n = 30), respectively, 30 and 35 DPH; highest percentage of deformations on the final day of the experiment was in group F15 (100 ± 0.0%, n = 30). The results indicate that an effective direct transfer from live food to prepared diets (with no gradual transfer) cannot be performed with crucian carp larvae before 30 DPH at 27°C, when the fish have reached TL = 31.1 ± 0.4 mm (n = 30) and WBW = 436.9 ± 13.7 mg (n = 30).     

Evaluation of an improved RNA/DNA quantification method in a common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus 1758) larval feeding trial with Artemia,two nematodes (Panagrellus redivivus Linnaeus 1758, Panagrolaimus sp. Fuchs 1930) and dry feed

The RNA/DNA ratio commonly used as proxy for the nutritional condition of fish larvae is affected by RNA degradation during analysis. For evaluation of two strategies to improve RNA integrity, a three‐week feeding trial was carried out to assess the suitability of two nematode species (fam. Panagrolaimidae) as feed for newly hatched carp larvae (Cyprinus carpio) in comparison to Artemia nauplii (Artemia sp.) and a commercial dry feed. Aiming for an increased reproducibility of RNA/DNA determination, a high‐salt inactivation (RNA later) as well as a targeted approach with a recombinant RNase inhibitor were compared to the classical protocol using lab chip technology. Improved RNA integrity was observed with high‐salt inactivation when compared with a strategy applying a specific RNase inhibitor or the classic protocol. Carp larvae fed Artemia for 2 weeks and then dry feed for 1 week revealed the best overall growth performance as well as survival [83.0 ± 35.2 mg fresh weight (FW), 20.0 ± 2.4 mm total length (TL), 86.6 ± 11.7% survival]. Larvae fed the nematode species Panagrellus redivivus for 1 week and subsequently dry feed for 2 weeks (37.4 ± 29.1 mg FW, 14.7 ± 2.8 mm TL, 76.0 ± 6.0% survival) performed better than larvae fed with dry feed alone (28.2 ± 29.6 mg FW, 14.3 ± 2.9 mm TL, 54.3 ± 14.2% survival) or those receiving Panagrellus for 2 weeks. Between both nematode species, Panagrellus was a better feed with regard to growth performance and survival. RNA/DNA ratios ranged between 0.65 ± 0.27 (8 days post‐hatch) and 1.96 ± 0.63 (22 days post‐hatch) and were in the same treatment order as the other growth parameters. RNA/DNA ratios were significantly correlated with the growth rate, and decreasing RNA/DNA ratios in larger larvae may reflect decreasing growth rates with size rather than decreased nutritional status. Here, an improved RNA/DNA ratio protocol is presented in a feeding trial that reveals the suitability of nematodes as a first feed for common carp larvae.     

Allometric growth and functional development of the gut in developing cod Gadus morhua L. larvae

The development of the gut epithelium in cod Gadus morhua was studied during the larval period in intensive rearing systems. Cod larvae were fed enriched rotifers from mouth opening. On 17 days post‐hatch (dph) one group of larvae were fed Artemia sp. nauplii while another group were fed both rotifers and a formulated diet (co‐fed). At the end of the experiment (30 dph) larvae receiving live feed were almost three times larger than the co‐fed larvae, although no clear signs of pathological effects due to feeding regime were found in any larvae sampled for morphological studies. The midgut volume in larvae fed live feed increased by a factor of 38 during the experiment, and in particular volume increased rapidly between 24 and 30 dph. The enterocyte size increased between 12 and 24 dph from 652 ± 64 to 1479 ± 144 μm³ (mean ±s .e .). When enterocytes reached their maximum size, several morphological changes in the gut epithelium were initiated, such as increased number of mitochondria per enterocyte, increased size of the nuclei and a considerable increase in microvilli surface area. The mitochondrial membrane structures changed during the experiment, suggesting a maturation process of the mitochondria. The midgut development was strongly related to larval size rather than age. On 30 dph co‐fed larvae were equal in size to Artemia sp. fed larvae on 24 dph. This was reflected by equal values of estimated midgut volume, midgut length and total number of enterocytes and the number of mitochondria per enterocyte. The microvilli surface area, however, was significantly larger in co‐fed larvae on 24 dph compared to live‐feed larvae on 30 dph. This increase in absorptive surface was probably a response to suboptimal feeding conditions. The strong correlation between gut development and larval size and the lack of clear pathological effects, suggested that the gut tissue is flexible and can withstand periods of suboptimal nutrition at this stage.     

The ontogenetic development of the digestive tract and accessory glands of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus L.) larvae during endogenous feeding

The process of differentiation of digestive tract structures in the sterlet Acipenser ruthenus (L.) larvae was studied from hatching to the beginning of exogenous feeding [9 dph (day post hatching)] using histological procedures. On the day of hatching the digestive tract was closed and completely filled with nutrients (the yolk platelets) that were successively utilized during development. A liver primordium was present in the ventral region of the yolksac. The pancreas was observed on the 2 dph. At the same time, the mouth opening took place. Glandular and nonglandular stomach and anterior and intermediate intestine developed from the yolksac walls. Gastric glands became visible on the 7 dph. The primary intestine developed into the spiral intestine. At the moment of onset of exogenous feeding the yolk material was completely exhausted and there was not mixed feeding observed in sterlet larvae. The fish started exogenous feeding on the 9 dph, which was accompanied with evacuation of melanin plug. At the end of endogenous feeding the digestive tract of sterlet larvae was developed and functional, so they could properly utilize food.     

High stocking density during larviculture and effect of size and diet on production of juvenile Lophiosilurus alexandri Steindachner, 1876 (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae)

Different stocking densities were investigated in larviculture and feeding of Lophiosilurus alexandri, as well as analyses of the effects on juveniles of two size‐classes and two different commercial formulated diets. The first experiment was two‐phased: (a) larvae stocked at densities of 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 larvae L⁻¹ fed with Artemia nauplii and reared for 15 days; (b) in phase 2, densities of 5, 10, 15, 30, and 40 juveniles L⁻¹ were evaluated during feed training (20 days). Mean water temperature in both phases was 28°C. In the first phase of experiment 1, the different stocking densities did not affect fish growth or survival. In phase 2, growth was similar in all densities; however, survival was lower at higher densities. The increased density provided a rise in biomass and number of individuals produced in both phases. In the second experiment, two size‐classes of feed‐trained juveniles (30.22 ± 1.84 and 34.66 ± 2.41 mm) were given pellets of two different diameters (1.2 and 2.6 mm) for 20 days. The largest juveniles fed the 1.2 mm inert diet had higher final weights and lengths. Larviculture and feed training of L. alexandri can thus be performed successfully at high stocking densities of 300 larvae L⁻¹ during the first 15 days of feeding, and at densities of up to 40 juveniles L⁻¹ during the 20 days of feed training, respectively.     

Growth response of African catfish,Clarias gariepinus (B.), larvae and fingerlings fed protease‐incorporated diets

African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (B.), is one of the promising freshwater fish species in African aquaculture but the expansion of its farming needs more production of its larvae. The use of live food organisms at first feeding for larvae is still obligatory. That increases the cost of larvae production. Hence, the incorporating of exogenous enzymes especially protease in artificial microdiets may provide affordable alternatives for enhancing the larvae performance. The present study was carried out to evaluate the growth and survival of larvae or fingerlings of African catfish fed artificial diets incorporated with different protease levels. Four artificial diets were formulated and enriched with protease enzyme at levels of 0.0, 750, 1,000, and 1,250 unit/kg diet; after that diets were made into crumbles (100–200 µm diameter). After absorption of the yolk sac, diets were offered to fish larvae (3.6 ± 0.2 mg) in triplicates as a starter feed up to apparent satiation every two hours for 30 days. In another treatment, fish larvae were fed on newly hatched Artemia nauplii (2,500 Artemia/L) as a starter food. In another experiment, African catfish fingerlings (10.1 ± 1.6 g) were fed on the same diets up to satiation twice a day for 2 months. It was noticed that the dietary protease improved larval growth and survival but not as Artemia nauplii did where fish larvae fed on Artemia nauplii showed highest growth and survival followed by those fed a diet enriched with 1,250 unit/kg diet of protease. The mortality of larvae fed protease‐enriched diets as well as the control diet was occurred mostly at the first week reaching its maximum at the third week. The poor growth was observed with fish larvae fed the control diet. Meanwhile, catfish fingerlings fed protease‐enriched diets showed higher growth over those fed the control diet. The larvae survival (11.0%–41.7%) was enhanced by increasing protease levels and it was lower than that of fingerlings (95.6%–100.0%). Furthermore, protein retention and digestibility were significantly improved with protease supplementation over the control diet especially at a level of 1,000 unit/kg diet. As compared with the previous studies, live food should be used in larvae rearing for the first week after that a starter diet enriched with protease at levels of 1,250 unit/kg diet should be used. In case of fish fingerlings, the dry diets should be enriched with 1,100 unit/kg diet to improve diet digestibility and subsequently enhance their growth.     

Improved survival and growth of silver therapon Leiopotherapon plumbeus early juveniles through co-feeding with Artemia and commercial feeds

This study examined the effects of co-feeding Artemia and commercial feeds on survival, growth and fatty acid composition of silver therapon Leiopotherapon plumbeus early juveniles. Triplicate groups of 36 days post hatch (DPH) early juveniles (17.09 ± 1.69 mm; 0.07 ± 0.02 g) were stocked in nine glass aquaria at 25 individuals per aquarium and reared for 60 days on three feeding regimes: (A) Artemia + powdered commercial tilapia feed (35% crude protein (CP)); (B) Artemia + powdered commercial prawn feed (38% CP); and (C) Artemia nauplii only as the control group. Early juveniles co-fed Artemia and commercial feeds had significantly higher survival (97%) than those fed Artemia alone (86%). Except for the condition factors that were similar to the control group, higher mean total length (30.2 ± 1.3 mm and 27.6 ± 1.2 mm), body weight (401 ± 64 mg and 339 ± 46 mg), length- (SGRL; 0.95 ± 0.07%/day and 0.80 ± 0.07%/day) and weight-specific growth rates (SGRW; 2.85 ± 0.27%/day and 2.58 ± 0.22%/day) were also observed in the co-feeding groups, independent of protein, fat and other nutrient levels in commercial feeds. Higher levels of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids were reflected in early juveniles co-fed Artemia and commercial feeds than those fed exclusively on Artemia contributing, in part, to the higher growth and survival observed in the co-feeding groups. Together, these results suggest that co-feeding strategy showed best results in terms of growth and survival, and that commercial feed with 35% protein and 6% crude fat levels may be beneficial in supplementing live feed with essential nutrients to optimize production of silver therapon fry during nursery culture.     

Growth and muscle cellularity of diploid and triploid Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua Linnaeus, 1758) larvae

The aim of this study was to compare somatic growth and muscle fibre development in diploid and triploid siblings of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua Linnaeus, 1758) during the larval stage. Newly hatched larvae were transferred into 200‐L tanks, three tanks per ploidy group (70 larvae L^?1, continuous light, gradually increasing seawater temperature 7–11°C and flow rates 50–117 L h^?1). Larvae were fed rotifers from 2 to 22 days post hatch (dph), Artemia 19–31 dph and weaned onto a microparticulate diet from 26 dph until the end of the experiment. Measurements of growth (dry weight, standard length) and muscle cellullarity were taken at intervals between 1 and 44 dph. Ploidy groups showed a similar performance throughout the trial, although a marked stagnation in growth was observed for triploids during the weaning from Artemia onto dry feed. Overall, diploid and triploid cod larvae showed a similar development in muscle fibre growth pattern during the experimental period. For both groups, the total number of fast muscle fibres showed a 10‐fold increase (from 384 to 3462), whereas the diameter of fast fibre increased from 8.9 to 13.3 μm (mean number from all treatments). Thus, a temporary but significant effect of triploidy on fast muscle fibre growth pattern was observed in 19 dph larvae in terms of fibre size and number, with triploids showing larger mean fast fibre diameter (11.62 ± 0.63 vs. 10.05 ± 0.34) and a lower number of fibres with a diameter <5 μm than their diploid siblings. Thus, this was found to be related to larvae size and to the differences in total fast fibre cross sectional areas rather than to ploidy status. Overall, our results suggest possible deficiencies in nutrients’ digestion and absorption of triploid cod larvae particularly during the transitional period from live food to inert diets.     

Effects of different food on growth and survival of first‐feeding taimen Hucho taimen (Pallas, 1773) larvae

A study was conducted to compare growth and survival of Hucho taimen larvae from 21 to 76 days after hatch (DAH) fed one of three diets: formulated feed alone (group F); a co‐feeding diet of water fleas, tubifex and formulated feed (group C); or live food of water fleas and tubifex (group L), and to investigate the potential use of dietary L‐alanyl‐L‐glutamine (L‐AG) in larval taimen for a more nutritious starter diet. Triplicate groups of 5000 fish were randomly assigned to each aquarium provided with water from a flow‐through system, and fed to apparent satiation. The results show that larvae can feed efficiently on floating crumbled particles of formulated feed. Weight gain of larvae fed only formulated feed was significantly lower than other groups at 34 DAH (P < 0.05). At the end of the experiment, weight gain reached the highest value in group F and was lowest in group L (P < 0.05). Condition factor reached the highest values in group F and lowest in group C (P < 0.05). Specific growth rate was in accordance with weight gain at 76 DAH. Survival showed no differences among the groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, H. taimen larvae can be fed formulated feed alone and L‐AG may be used as a feeding attractant during the weaning process, which should lead to a better understanding in the rearing improvement in the feeding of larvae.     

Fatty acid composition of Turbatrix aceti and its use in feeding regimes of Coregonus maraena (Bloch, 1779): is it really a suitable alternative to Artemia nauplii?

By incorporating the free‐swimming nematode Turbatrix aceti into early feeding regimes of the European whitefish Coregonus maraena, the suitability of this nematode species was investigated as an alternative to Artemia nauplii. During a 14‐day feeding trial in a total of 25 aquaria each 1.7 L (each treatment n = 5, 255 larvae/tank) T. aceti was used either as the sole live food or in combination with Artemia nauplii or microdiet to determine the effect of T. aceti on growth performance and survival rate of C. maraena. By analysing the fatty acid composition of T. aceti prior to and after enrichment with INVE spresso^® it was investigated whether the amount of n3‐polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3‐PUFA) in T. aceti could be further enhanced. Supplementation of Artemia nauplii with T. aceti increased growth significantly within the first 5 days of rearing in comparison to the non‐supplemented food treatments (14.39 ± 0.15 mm compared to 13.44 ± 0.18 mm; mean ± SE). However, growth and survival of juvenile C. maraena on nematode‐supplemented Artemia nauplii did not differ significantly from non‐supplemented Artemia nauplii at the end of the 14‐day rearing period (15.22 ± 0.15 mm compared to 14.86 ± 0.24 mm). All feeding treatments containing Artemia nauplii showed significantly higher growth and lower mortality at the end of the experiment in comparison to diets containing only the microdiet or T. aceti or a combination thereof. The overall low performance of T. aceti alone can most likely be explained by an insufficient capacity of C. maraena to digest this nematode species efficiently. Enrichment with INVE spresso^® successfully increased the proportion of DHA in the T. aceti tissue. The results reveal that T. aceti cannot be considered a full alternative to Artemia nauplii, at least not in the rearing of C. maraena, but might be a useful vector of essential fatty acids within the early rearing period of this and potentially other fish species when provided as live food along with Artemia nauplii.     

Dietary protein requirement of fingerling sterlet sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus)

Although sterlet sturgeon is a valuable candidate for aquaculture development, information regarding the nutrient requirements of this species is limited. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the optimum protein level required by sterlet sturgeon fingerlings. Groups of fingerlings (mean initial body weight ± SD: 7.02 ± 0.02 g; N = 3) were assigned to one of the six dietary protein levels at 29.1%, 39.1%, 46.8%, 49.2%, 53.7%, and 57.6% on a dry matter basis. Isocaloric (18.3 ± 0.2 kJ GE/g diet) semi-purified diets were prepared using white fish meal and casein as the major sources of protein. After the 8-week feeding trial, the fingerlings fed the 49.2% protein diet exhibited the best results in terms of weight gain, feed efficiency, and whole-body nutrient composition (crude protein, crude lipid, gross energy, and amino acid contents), whereas those fed the 53.7% and 57.6% protein diets showed poor performance. Application of the two-slope straight broken-line and quadratic models on the dataset of weight gain revealed the optimum protein level to be 45.9% and 44.1%, respectively. Based on the model selection criteria, including the adjusted coefficient of correlation and corrected Akaike information criterion, the protein level (44.1%) estimated using the quadratic model was more accurate than that obtained using another model (45.9%). Taken together, 44.1% protein level (18.3 kJ GE/g diet on dry matter basis) resulted in the optimal growth of the sterlet sturgeon fingerlings (initial body weight: approximately 7 g).     

Evaluation of the Impacts of Long-Term Enriched Artemia with Bacillus subtilis on Growth Performance,Reproduction, Intestinal Microflora,and Resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila of Ornamental Fish Poecilia latipinna

The present study investigated the effect of enriched Artemia with Bacillus subtilis on growth performance, reproductive factors, proximate composition, intestinal microflora, and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila of ornamental fish, Poecilia latipinna. Using a completely randomized design, the experiment included three groups. The first group was fed with commercial food without any probiotic. The second group was fed with unenriched Artemia, and the last group consumed long-time enriched Artemia with Bacillus subtilis. The bacteria B. subtilis with a density of 1 × 10⁵ CFU mL⁻¹ was added daily to Artemia culture medium. The total microflora and Bacillus subtilis counts were significantly increased in enriched Artemia compared to the unenriched group (P < 0.05). In fish fed groups, growth factors did not show any significant difference (P > 0.05). The maximum relative fecundity (28.65 ± 2.52 egg number g⁻¹), fry production (62.93 ± 4.6 individual per female), and fry survival (70.97 ± 1.56%) obtained in the third group were found to be significantly more than those in the first and the second groups. Moreover, intestinal bacterial count for Bacillus revealed that the higher concentration of bacteria was significantly related to the third group (6.24 ± 0.11 log CFU g⁻¹) (P < 0.05). Maximum protein and fat contents were observed in fish fed with Bacillus-enriched Artemia; however, no significant difference was found between control and unenriched Artemia groups (P > 0.05). The highest amount of ash was observed in fish fed with commercial food without any probiotic (P < 0.05). At the end of the feeding period, each of the three groups along with positive group (oxytetracycline 100 mg kg⁻¹ of commercial food) was exposed to A. hydrophila (BCCM5/LMG3770) bacteria intraperitoneally. Based on the results, the lowest cumulative mortality was significantly found in group three (68.75 ± 3.6%) and positive group (62.5 ± 7.0%) compared to control and unenriched Artemia groups (P < 0.05). Hence, B. subtilis with a concentration of 1 × 10⁵ CFU mL⁻¹ during the period of Artemia culturing can improve the reproductive parameters, intestinal microflora, and resistance to pathogenic bacteria of Poecilia latipinna.

     

Quarantine host range of Bikasha collaris,a potential biological control agent of Chinese tallowtree (Triadica sebifera) in North America

Chinese tallowtree, Triadica sebifera (L.) Small (Euphorbiaceae), is one of the worst invasive weeds of the southeastern USA impacting coastal wetlands, forests, and natural areas. Traditional mechanical and chemical controls have been unable to limit the spread, and this invasive species continues to expand its range. A proposed biological control candidate, the flea beetle Bikasha collaris (Baly) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), shows high specificity for the target weed Chinese tallowtree. Results from a series of no‐choice and choice feeding tests of B. collaris adults and larvae indicated that this flea beetle was highly specific to Chinese tallowtree. The larvae of B. collaris feed by tunneling in the roots, whereas the adults feed on the leaves of Chinese tallowtree. A total of 77 plant taxa, primarily from members of the tallow plant family Euphorbiaceae, were tested in numerous test designs. Larval no‐choice tests indicated that larvae completed development only on two of the non‐target taxa. Of 80 B. collaris larvae fed roots of Hippomane mancinella L. and 50 larvae fed roots of Ricinus communis L., two and three larvae completed development, respectively. The emerging adults of these five larvae died within 3 days without reproducing. Larval choice tests also indicated little use of these non‐target taxa. Adult no‐choice tests indicated little leaf damage by B. collaris on the non‐targets except for Ditrysinia fruticosa (Bartram) Govaerts & Frodin and Gymnanthes lucida Sw. When given a choice, however, B. collaris adults consumed much less of the non‐targets D. fruticosa (7.4%) and G. lucida (6.1%) compared with the control leaves. Finally, no‐choice oviposition tests indicated that no eggs were produced when adults were fed all non‐target taxa, except those fed G. lucida. These B. collaris adults fed G. lucida leaves produced an average of 4.6 eggs compared with 115.0 eggs per female when fed Chinese tallowtree. The eggs produced from adults fed G. lucida were either inviable or the emerging larvae died within 1 day. These results indicate that the flea beetle B. collaris was unable to complete its life cycle on any of the non‐target taxa tested. If approved for field release, B. collaris will be the first biological control agent deployed against Chinese tallowtree in the USA. This flea beetle may play an important role in suppressing Chinese tallowtree and contribute to the integrated control of this invasive weed.     

Larval rearing of chub, Leuciscus cephalus (L.), using decapsulated Artemia as direct food

Little is known about the larviculture of the chub, Leuciscus cephalus (L.), an endangered cyprinid species endemic to European flowing waters. The use of decapsulated Artemia cysts as food for chub larviculture was investigated. After 3‐day feeding with the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus, the larvae were fed on different diets: (i) dried decapsulated Artemia cysts, (ii) Artemia nauplii, (iii) rotifers for seven more days and then Daphnia collected from a pond, and (iv) an artificial diet. After a 24‐day rearing period, the highest survival rate was obtained with the larvae receiving decapsulated Artemia cysts. Feeding of the larvae with an artificial diet resulted in a significantly lower survival rate compared with the other groups. At the end of the experiment, the larvae fed on Artemia nauplii yielded a significantly higher mean length compared with the other groups. Feeding an artificial diet resulted in a significantly lower average weight and mean length gain compared with the other groups.     

A comparative study of feeding methods: Effect on the growth,behaviour and biochemical performance of juvenile Beluga sturgeon (Huso huso Linnaeus, 1758)

This study compared the influence of feeding methods on growth parameters of young‐of‐year Beluga sturgeon Huso huso in a 6‐week trial. Fish with an average weight 150.3 ± 0.8 g (±SE) were stocked into nine circular concrete tanks (30 fish per tank) in an open circular system with water temperature of 18.9°C. All fish were fed by three different feeding methods: (a) hand‐fed (HF), (b) continuously available (automated feeder; AF), (c) half of daily feed provided by hand, and another half by automated feeder (combined feeding). For the hand‐feeding method, fish were fed at 09:00, 14:00, 19:00, and 24:00. The entire automatic feeding groups were fed with the same amount of feed. The mean final body weight was the highest in fish fed by AF compared to fish fed by HF. Body weight increase, condition factor, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio did not differ among the feeding groups. Fish fed by AF revealed higher swimming activity than the HF group. No significant changes were found in hematocrit, glucose and total protein concentrations among treatments. The results showed less dependence of growth and physiology of Beluga sturgeon on feeding method, but automated‐feeding was shown to be suitable for sturgeon rearing because of further low labour costs in rearing systems.     

Response of bighead carp Aristichthys nobilis and Asian catfish Clarias macrocephalus larvae to free-living nematode Panagrellus redivivus as alternative feed

The use of Panagrellus redivivus as live feed for bighead carp and Asian catfish larvae was tested. In experiment 1, carp larvae were given Artemia nauplii (control) or Panagrellus twice daily for 21 days. A third treatment consisted of unfed larvae. The same three treatments were used in experiment 2 plus another with a commercial entomopathogenic nematode (EPN). Bighead carp larvae given Panagrellus in experiment 1 had much lower growth and survival than those fed Artemia nauplii. This could be due to low nematode density (5–30 mL^?1 water) during feeding. The unfed larvae had 100% mortality by days 11–13. In experiment 2, growth and survival of carp larvae given Artemia nauplii (5–10 mL^?1) and Panagrellus (50 mL^?1) did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). All unfed larvae had died by day 13, while larvae fed EPN were all dead by day 8. Two experiments on Asian catfish were likewise conducted. In experiment 1, the catfish larvae were fed Tubifex (ad libitum), Panagrellus (50–100 mL^?1 per feeding) orArtemia (5 nauplii mL^?1 per feeding) three times daily for 14 days. In experiment 2, larvae were fed Artemia alone (10 nauplii mL^?1 per feeding), Panagrellus alone (100 mL^?1 per feeding), or their combination with a 38% protein dry diet twice daily. For both experiments, catfish larvae fed Panagrellus had significantly lower growth and survival than those fed Tubifex or Artemia. The combination of Panagrellus and dry diet created little improvement in the growth and survival of catfish larvae.     

Effect of nematode Panagrellus redivivus density on growth, survival, feed consumption and carcass composition of bighead carp Aristichthys nobilis (Richardson) larvae

The study aimed to determine the optimum density of free‐living nematodes in feeding bighead carp, Aristichthys nobilis, larvae. In the first experiment, carp stocked at 25 larvae L^?1 were fed varying levels of nematodes (50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 per ml) twice a day for 21 days from the start of exogenous feeding. Final body weight was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in larvae fed 125 and 150 nematodes per ml than in those fed 50 and 75 per ml, but survival was low (61.8 and 63.6%, respectively). Survival rate was highest in larvae fed 100 nematodes ml^?1 (81.3%). Carcass analysis showed that larvae fed 125 and 150 nematodes ml^?1 had significantly lower body protein and higher body lipid than those fed other nematode densities. Carcass ash was similar for larvae fed 50–100 nematodes ml^?1 but it decreased significantly at the higher nematode densities. Carp larvae in a subsequent experiment were given 50, 75 and 100 nematodes ml^?1 per feeding. Newly hatched Artemia was the control feed. Nematode consumption and growth of the larvae were determined. Larvae were sampled at intervals of 2–4 days and the nematodes in the gut were counted and measured. At each nematode density, the number of nematodes present in the gut of the larvae increased significantly with time. At each sampling day, the number of nematodes in the gut did not differ significantly among treatments (P > 0.05) although it tended to increase with nematode density at day 2 and day 4 but decrease at day 7 onward. The carp larvae consumed significantly shorter nematodes on day 2 and day 4 than on the succeeding sampling days regardless of nematode density. However, the length of nematodes in the gut of the larvae did not differ significantly among the nematode densities. The final body weight of larvae increased with increasing nematode density. The body weight of larvae fed 100 nematodes ml^?1 did not differ significantly from that of larvae given Artemia nauplii. Results show that bighead carp larvae should be fed 100 free‐living nematodes per ml at each feeding time.     

Rearing tench (Tinca tinca L.) larvae on live feed (Artemia) and on two transition schedules from live to dry diets

Two 60‐day experiments were carried out on tench (Tinca tinca L.) from day 5 post‐hatch. Density was 20 larvae L^?1 and temperature 24 ± 0.5°C. In experiment 1, Artemia nauplii were the sole food, testing nauplii amounts and feeding frequency. High survival rates (between 79.5% and 95.5%) were obtained. Growth was faster as nauplii amounts were greater; the highest growth rate (11.00), weight (265.5 mg) and Fulton’s coefficient (1.40) were obtained when fish were fed in excess once a day, without significant differences from the growth obtained by feeding in excess of eight times a day. In experiment 2, a dry diet for marine fish was tested as a replacement for Artemia nauplii, following two transition protocols, one faster than the other; high survival rates (between 77.7% and 87.1%) were again obtained. The slower transition allowed a growth rate of 10.14, length of 23.1 mm, weight of 158.3 mg and a Fulton’s coefficient of 1.28, without significant differences from the faster transition. At all stages, growth values were significantly higher from feeding nauplii in excess as the sole food, but the required nauplii quantity was six times higher than the amount supplied to the animals fed the dry diet.     

Feeding behaviour,feed selectivity and growth studies of mangrove killifish, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kryptolebias marmoratus</Emphasis>, larvae using various live and formulated feeds

Nine types of live foods viz. L, S and SS morphotypes of Brachionus plicatilis sp. complex, first instar Artemia franciscana, Fabrea salina, Acartia tsuensis, Tigriopus japonicus, Diaphanosoma celebensis, Moina mongolica and a formulated feed of two sizes (400 and 700 μm) were used to observe feeding behaviour and growth of mangrove killifish, Kryptolebias marmoratus. Behavioural observations were made for one hour on days 0, 1, 5, and 10 after hatching. Focus, unsuccessful and successful attacks and vomit were noted. With rotifers L, S and SS types and newly hatched Artemia nauplii as food, all the larvae showed maximum feeding success throughout the experimental period. Larvae did not consume any of the 700 μm artificial diet. Vomiting was noticed on capturing the ciliate Fabrea and 400 μm artificial diets. Rotifers were ingested in greater numbers. SS-type rotifers were consumed in largest number (209.2/h per individual) on day 10. Significantly greater growth was observed after 10 days rearing with L type rotifer, Artemia nauplii, T. japonicus, A. tsuensis, M. mongolica, D. celebensis, and a mixture of L type rotifer and F. salina (Tukey–Kramer post hoc test, P < 0.05). Feed selectivity experiments on days 0, 1, 5 and 10 revealed that killifish larvae feed preferentially on Artemia nauplii and rotifers from a mixture of Artemia nauplii, rotifers, A. tsuensis, T. japonicus, D. celebensis and M. mongolica. Techniques for culturing various zooplankton at small-scales are also described.