Effect of Biofloc, Live Feed, and Formulated Feed on Survival, Growth, and Whole-Body Proximate Composition in Larval Rearing of Pearlspot (Etroplus suratensis)

Smina, M S and Joseph, Shoji (2024) Effect of Biofloc, Live Feed, and Formulated Feed on Survival, Growth, and Whole-Body Proximate Composition in Larval Rearing of Pearlspot (Etroplus suratensis). Journal of Indian Fisheries Association, 51 (1). pp. 73-78.

Text Journal of Indian Fisheries Association_2025_Shoji Joseph.pdf Download (4MB)

Abstract

Fish larval rearing plays a critical role in aquaculture and fisheries development, serving as the foundation for successful fish production. One of the most critical aspects of larval rearing is the provision of appropriate feed. This study evaluated the effects of live feed Artemia (LF), formulated feed (FF), and a biofloc (BF) system on the survival, growth, and body proximate composition of Pearlspot (Etroplus suratensis) larvae during the rearing phase. The experiment commenced at 20 days post hatch and continued for 60 days. By the conclusion of the trial, the larvae raised in BF system exhibited the significantly highest (p= 0.001) final body weight and specific growth rate (SGR), followed by those fed LF, while FF group showed lowest results. Survival rates, which ranged from 76% to 78.33%, showed no significant differences (p= 0.46) across the treatments. The whole body proximate composition analysis revealed significant dietary effects, with larvae from BF system exhibiting superior nutritional quality compared to those in the LF and FF groups. These findings highlight the potential of biofloc technology as an effective approach for enhancing the growth performance and nutritional status of Pearlspot larvae. This study provides valuable insights that can be applied to enhance the larval rearing practice of Pearlspot, thereby supporting the development of efficient seed production techniques.

Actions (login required)

View Item