Optimizing Pellet Size and Feeding Strategy Using an Automatic Feeder in Juvenile Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

Abstract

Feeding is among the most labor-intensive tasks in aquaculture, yet it is critical for productivity and operational efficiency. Although automated feeding systems reduce labor, the absence of data on optimal pellet size, feeding rate, and frequency has led to inconsistent practices and productivity. We evaluated the applicability of a low-cost automatic feeder and determined optimal pellet size and feeding frequency for juvenile olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) in an experiment where 600 fish (83.4 ± 0.7 g (mean ± SD)) were randomly assigned to 12 flow-through tanks (60 fish/tank) in triplicate. In Experiment 1, fish fed 5-mm pellets presented greater weight gain and protein efficiency ratio (PER) than those fed 3-mm pellets (p < 0.05). In Experiment 2, manual feeding was compared to automatic feeding. Fish fed three times per day at a 1.3% daily feed intake (DFI) achieved similar growth but an improved feed conversion ratio and PER compared to manually fed fish (p < 0.05). Our findings support the use of 5-mm pellets at 1.3% DFI with a low-cost automatic feeder for maintaining productive juvenile flounder. These results present a practical automation strategy that enables small and medium-sized aqua-farms to reduce labor while maintaining productivity equivalent to manual feeding.