Optimum feeding rate of juveniles red snapper, Lutjanus argentimaculatus in seawater tanks

Abstract

This paper reports the optimal feeding rate of juveniles Lutjanus argentimaculatus (mean initial body weight 58.19± 11.278 and mean total length 13 ± 1.86 cm) stocked in 18.9 m³ indoor circular fiberglass tanks @480 fish/tank for 150 days. Six feeding levels (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4% body weight daily) were offered to the juveniles twice a day, while crude protein level in the compounded feed was 40%. Feed conversion and protein efficiency values increased with the increase of daily ration. Based on growth rate and production results, a feeding level of 2% body weight/day seems to be the best for fish weighing between 58.19 g and 261.3 g.