EFFECT OF STARVATION ON THE BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF CLARIAS BATRACHUS(LINN.)

Abstract

Marked changes were observed in different chemical constituents
of Clarias batrachus during starvation. The nitrogen
and protein fractions showed a definite pattern of variations.
The highest values of these were recorded on lOth day of
starvation and thereafter values declined gradually. On the
other hand, the acid soluble phosphorus exhibited a reverse
trend, increasing graduaUy from the first to the 30th day of
starvation. These changes have been attributed mainly to the
energy and metabolic demands of the starving fish.