Optimal temperature for growth and feed conversion of immature cod (Gadus morhua L.)

size groups of hatchery reared cod (2-109 g) and three size groups of wild cod (447-2213 g) were reared at a range of constant temperatures. All group s were fed to satiation, the hatchery fish on dry feed and the wild fish on capelin and shrimp, The optimal temperature for growth decreased linearly with fish weight on a log scale from 17 degreesC for 2 g fish to 7 degreesC for 2000 g fish. Similarly, the optimal temperature for feed conversion de creased with fish weight. from 15 degreesC fur 7 g fish to 7 degreesC for 2 000 g fish. Growth rate at optimal temperature declined linearly with fish weight on a log-log scale from 5.8 to 0.36% per day for 2 and 2000 g cod, r espectively. (C) 2001 International Council Tur the Exploration of the Sea.