Effects of temperature on behavior, growth, development and survival in young milkfish, Chanos chanos (Forskal)

Abstract

Effects of three temperature treatments on activity, feeding, growth, development and survival of young milkfish (Chanos chanos) were investigated. Low temperature (<22.6°C) and hypoxial condition (<1 ppm O2) decreased activity, responsiveness and food intake; high temperature (up to 33°C) had the opposite effect. Growth and development were fastest in fish maintained in high temperature (x = 29.5°C). Fish in low temperature (x = 20.7°C) had the least growth and were inhibited from developing into juveniles during the 3-month period. Highest survival (x = 99.7%) was obtained in high temperature but was not significantly different (P>0.05) from ambient temperature (x = 97.7%).