Larval rearing of bighead carp, Aristichthys nobilis Richardson, using different types of feed and their combinations

Abstract

The effects of different types of feed, given singly or in combination, on the growth and survival of bighead carp, Arislichlhys nobilis Richardson, larvae reared for a period of 12 weeks were determined. Growth was highest for fish fed with the combination of Moina and artificial feed followed by fish fed with artificial feed alone. Significantly lower (P < 0.05) growth was found in fish fed with green water +Moina+ artificial feed; green water + artificial feed; green water +Moina and Moina alone, in a descending order. Carp larvae reared in green water alone did not survive after the fifth day of feeding. Specific growth rales ranging from 0.59% day−1 to 2.75% day−1 were exhibited by fish in all the remaining six treatments.

Although green water alone did not support the growth of the larvae, enhanced survival rates were observed when green water was given in combination with other feeds. Survival rate was highest in fish fed with the combination of green water, Moina and artificial feed, but was not significantly different (P > 0.01) from those given Moina+ artificial feed. Consequently, normalized biomass index was significantly high (P < 0.05) in fish fed with the combination of green water, Moina and artificial feed.