Effects of feed type and feeding frequency on growth performance, reproductive efficiency and skin coloration of auratus cichlids (Melanochromis auratus)

Abstract

Feeding is an important factor for both cultured and ornamental fish species. Thisstudy was aimed to assess the effects of different feeds and feeding frequencies ongrowth, reproduction, coloration, ammonia excretion and profitability of auratuscichlids (Melanochromis auratus). The study was carried out in twelve fiberglasscircular tanks (100 L) annexed to recirculating freshwater system. Ten fish (mean bodyweight 1.83±0.02 g and mean total length 4.08±0.02 cm) were placed in each tank with1:4 (male:female) sex ratio. Feeding groups were determined with tropical granule (G)and trout pellet (P) and fish were fed with two feeding frequencies, including oncedaily (GF1, PF1) and thrice daily (GF3, PF3). The growth performance and reproductionparameters was influenced by feed type and feeding frequency in two-way ANOVAand PF3 group was the significantly highest among all these parameters (P