Effects of feeding strategies on growth of Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) in closed recirculating systems

Abstract

Due to its high market value, Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) has long been regarded as a promising species for aquaculture. Although pompano exhibit several favorable traits for culture, previous studies have indicated that fish larger than 200 g exhibit poor growth. This study was conducted to determine the effects of different feeding strategies on production characteristics of pompano raised in closed recirculating systems. Results of Experiment 1 indicated that mean weight of fish (initial mean weight, 17 g) fed a fixed ration at two and six feedings per day was greater than that of fish fed only once per day. Weight gain of fish fed twice per day was greater than that of fish fed once per day. Results of Experiment 2 revealed that growth was not greatly affected by the stocking densities evaluated (1.3 and 2.6 kg/m3). However, mean weight and weight gain of fish (initial mean weight, 74 g) fed to satiation were greater than that of fish fed a fixed ration and reared at the low density. Results of Experiment 3 demonstrated that mean weight and weight gain of fish (initial mean weight, 215 g) reared to market size while receiving four feedings to apparent satiation per day was greater than that of fish receiving two feedings to apparent satiation per day. Whole body composition analysis revealed exceedingly high lipid levels of fish throughout the study. Market size pompano had dressed carcass yields greater than 70% and fillet yields greater than 45%. Feeding strategies used in this study had little, if any effects on feed efficiencies and specific growth rates. Survival of fish in each experiment was greater than 90%. Growth of pompano in this study was not restricted to 200 g. Pompano achieved market size after approximately 4.5 months and reached an average weight of 712 g after approximately 8.5 months. Our results show that market-size pompano can be grown from juveniles in closed recirculating systems under the conditions used in this study.