RELATION OF NUTRITION AND SALINITY TO GROWTH IN BLACK MOLLIES

Abstract

Optimum growth, impaired growth and mortality in black molly are
studied in diluted sea water, sea water and also by introducing laboratorym
prepared diets. Rapid acclimation in conjunction with enhanced growth
capacity was attained at 2%o concentration of common salt in water, and
2%o and 5%o dilutions of sea water. 22%o protein content in the diet was
found to be adequate for growth and fertility of fishes acclimated at a
salinity of 2%o. Higher protein content and other nutritive elements were
necessary for fishes acclimated at 5%o and 14%o. Fertility was increased in
seaswater dilutions rather than in common salt~water dilutions.