Optimum feeding frequency for juvenile short barbeled velvetchin Hapalogenys nigripinnis reared in floating sea cages

Abstract

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding frequency on growth, food consumption, body composition, and hematological responses of juvenile short barbeled velvetchin reared in floating sea cages. Fish (mean body weight of 28.8 g) were hand-fed to apparent satiety using a commercial diet (49.0% protein) at four different feeding frequencies (from one to four meals daily). Weight gain, specific growth rate, and feeding rates in fish fed three and four meals daily were significantly higher than those of fish fed one or two meals daily. The feed efficiency and inter-individual size variation were not significantly affected by feeding frequency. The highest feed intake of fish occurred at the first meal each day. The crude lipid content of fish fed three and four meals daily was significantly higher than that of fish fed one or two meals daily. The blood plasma glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase contents in fish fed one meal per day were significantly higher than those in fish fed at other frequencies. Our results suggest that the optimum feeding frequency for juvenile short barbeled velvetchin weighing 30–150 g and reared in sea cages is three meals daily.