EFFECTS OF FEED APPLICATION RATES ON GROWTH, SURVIVAL, AND FEED CONVERSION OF JUVENILE SNAKEHEAD CHANNA-STRIATUS

Growth, survival and feed conversion ratio of juvenile snakehead Chann a striatus were evaluated when fed a dry, formulated feed (50% crude p rotein) at 24 +/- 1 C. Six daily feed application rates were used (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 30%), as a percentage of fish body weight, wit h three replicates per treatment. After 29 d, final weights were all s ignificantly greater (P < 0.01) than initial weights, except for the 0 % application. Feed applications higher than 5% did not result in incr eased growth (P > 0.05). Feed conversion ratio was 0.99 at 5% feed app lication, and 6.3 at 30% feed application. Fish survival was increased by providing formulated diet, but no further improvement was found wh en feed applications exceeded 5%. Cannibalism was reduced by providing formulated feed, but it was unavoidable when substantial differences in fish size existed, even when feeding ad libitum. Our results indica te that the optimal feed application rate is close to 5% body weight/d for juvenile snakehead.