Preliminary experiments on the artificial feeding of mugilidae

Abstract

1. A diet rich in proteins is necessary for the growth of very young Mugil auratus and M. capito (standard length: 21 mm). As soon as the natural change of diet occurs, a smaller quantity is sufficient. 2. The nature of proteins, incorporated in the food, does not seem to influence conversion rates. 3. Under conditions of complete starvation, a solution of urea at a concentration of 4 g/l reduces weight loss in young Mugil capito (1.5 % instead of 23 % loss after 9 day's starvation). 4. At 15° C, 10 g Mugil auratus require a daily maintenance ration of 0.92 Cal; a ration of 1.8 Cal facilitates a higher growth efficiency (7 % in 3 weeks). 5. The addition of non-assimilable components reduces the rate of utilization of assimilable food substances. 6. Salinity influences food conversion rate. A salinity of 20 ‰ affords maximum growth and highest efficiency of food turnover. © 1970 Biologischen Anstalt Helgoland.