Influence of Photoperiod and Feed Delivery on Growth and Survival of First‐Feeding Arctic Char

Abstract

AbstractFirst‐feeding Arctic char Salvelinus alpinus were subjected to two different photoperiods (light conditions at latitude 43°28′N [normal] and 24 h of continuous light) and two different feeding schedules (fed only during the natural photoperiod [normal] and 24‐h continuous feeding) for 12 weeks. Arctic char subjected to 24 h of continuous light and continuous feed availability had a significantly lower cumulative mortality (P < 0.05) and higher mean final weights (P < 0.05) without an accompanying increase in within‐treatment variability compared with fish raised in either ambient photoperiods or under restricted feeding regimens. These results indicate potential commercial benefits associated with extended photoperiod and feeding regimens for the culture of juvenile Arctic char.