Effects of salinity on the growth and nutrient retention in silver perch, Bidyanus bidyanus (Mitchell 1838) (Teraponidae)

The silver perch, Bidyanus bidyanus, is a native Australian freshwater fish of the highest aquaculture potential. The species is known to tolerate a c ertain extent of salinity. Silver perch juveniles were fed a commercial die t (45% protein) and reared at salinities 0, 4, 8 and 12 in order to assess weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), food conversion ratio (FCR) and nu trient retention at these four salinities. Fish reared at salinity 4 (P < 0 .05) showed the best weight gain, SGR, FCR and a significantly better perfo rmance. Nitrogen and phosphorus retention were also significantly better in fish reared at salinity 4 (P < 0.05).