SIGNIFICANCE OF PREY SIZE AND FEEDING CAPACITY ON THE EARLY DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES OF ANABAS TESTUDINEUS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/IJIREV.826043Keywords:
Anabas Testudineus, Larviculture, Moina, Neonates, Prey Size PreferenceAbstract
Anabas testudineus is an economically and nutritionally important inland fish species widely distributed in Southeast Asia. It serves as both a food fish and an ornamental species, with consistent demand as a valuable source of animal protein through both wild capture fisheries and aquaculture production. For the development of an effective culture protocol, successful larval rearing is a critical factor, as the growth and survival of A. testudineus fry are highly dependent on the availability of suitable live feed, particularly during the initial feeding period. This study investigated the feeding preferences of A. testudineus fry toward different sizes of live feed, Moina, and determined its consumption by fry at different developmental stages. The use of Moina was found to effectively support the growth and survival of newly hatched A. testudineus fry. The results demonstrated that fry at 3–6 days after hatching (DAH) exhibited a significant preference (p < 0.05) for Moina neonates over adult Moina. From 7 to 9 DAH, fry consumed both Moina neonates and adults without significant preference (p > 0.05). However, from 10 DAH onwards, fry showed a significantly higher preference (p < 0.05) for adult Moina. In terms of consumption capacity, 3 DAH fry consumed an average of two Moina neonates daily. Feed consumption increased gradually throughout early development, reaching an average intake of 11 individuals of mixed Moina neonates and adults per day at 8 DAH. A marked increase in feeding capacity was observed at 10 DAH, when fry consumed an average of 54 adult Moina per day. By 30 DAH, the feeding capacity of A. testudineus fry had increased substantially, with an average consumption of 192 adult Moina per day. These findings highlighted the importance of providing appropriately sized live feed according to larval developmental stages, which is crucial for optimizing feeding strategies during the early larviculture of A. testudineus.
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