Frequência alimentar no crescimento de alevinos de peixe-rei Odontesthes humensis

Abstract

The excellent quality of pejerrey, high reproductive rate and broad food spectrum suggest great potential for cultivation. Studies related to nutrition and diet are key to facilitate the cultivation of native species and to provide fast and efficient consumption of food and reduce the waste of nutrients. The aim of this work was evaluate the best frequency of food supply Odontesthes humensis growth. For such, 600 fingerlings with average weight of 13 ± 5.9 mg were equal and randomly distributed in twelve 50 L experiment tanks. After 32 days of the experiment were evaluated: average final weight, total length, weight gain, specific growth rate and survival. During the experimental period the water temperature was 23 ± 1.0 °C, oxygen 6.6 ± 0.8 mg.L-1, pH at 7.5 ± 0.4, alkalinity at 45 ± 5 mg.L-1 and total ammonia 0.1 ± 0.2 mg.L-1. The results of this study indicated a positive correlation between feed frequency and harvest weight, however 8 times/day feed regime resulted in a increase of fish size heterogeneity. Therefore it is recommended that a feed frequency of 3 times/day for pejerrey at this stage of life.