Devising optimum feeding regimes and temperatures for the warmwater culture of eel, Anguilla anguilla L.

Abstract. This paper describes feeding experiments conducted with small eels under holding conditions and temperatures designed to mimic those on the farm. It was shown that frequent feeding allows highest consumption at 16°C and below because gut passage is slowed at these temperatures. At higher temperatures food consumption and conversion can be increased by feeding meals at a defined optimum frequency which was shown to rise with temperature. This optimum is associated with lowered activity levels which spare energy for growth. The underlying factor is a preference for meals at a size and feeding interval corresponding with the capacity and emptying of the stomach. A series of models have been formulated to allow prediction of optimum feeding regimes and understanding of consumption-conversion-growth-temperature interrelationships. Optimum conditions for growth are shown to occur at 26.5°C with maximum consumptions and a feeding frequency of either three or four times per day. This optimum temperature is shown to be lowered with reduced consumptions.     

Influences of feeding frequency of extruded pellet and moist pellet on growth and body composition of juvenile Japanese flounder <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paralichthys olivaceus</Emphasis> in suboptimal water temperatures

This study was carried out to investigate the influences of feeding frequency of extruded pellet and moist pellet on growth and body composition of juvenile flounder (initial mean weight 6.3 g) in sub optimal water temperatures. A 2 (diets: extruded pellet and moist pellet)×2 (feeding frequencies: two and three times daily)×2 (water temperatures: 12 and 17°C) factorial design with three replications was used. After 60 days of feeding, the feeding frequency did not significantly affect growth performance of fish. Weight gain, daily feed intake, feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio were significantly (P<0.05) higher for fish reared at the higher water temperature. At the same water temperature, weight gain, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio were significantly (P<0.05) higher for fish fed the extruded pellet than moist pellet. The results of this study indicate that feeding frequency of two times daily is sufficient for optimal growth of juvenile flounder when reared in suboptimal water temperatures, and an increase in water temperature from 12 to 17°C improved growth and feed efficiency.     

Interactive effect of photoperiod and temperature on the growth rates,muscle growth and feed intake in juvenile Atlantic halibut

To investigate the interactive effects of temperature and photoperiod on the growth performance, feeding parameters and muscle growth dynamics in juvenile Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.), a total of 1212 juvenile halibut, including 383 tagged fish (mean initial weight of tagged individuals: 17.6 ± 0.3 g SE), were reared under a simulated natural light regime for Bergen (60°25′N) or continuous light at 9, 12 and 15 °C from 3 December 2007 until 11 March 2008. The mean weight and growth rate were significantly higher at 12 and 15 °C than at 9 °C. In addition, significantly higher mean weight and growth rate were observed in halibut reared under continuous light at a low temperature, indicating an interactive effect of temperature and photoperiod on growth performance. No effect of temperature or photoperiod was found with respect to feed conversion efficiency, whereas a higher feed consumption at increasing temperature and a higher overall daily feeding rate at continuous light at a low temperature were observed. Indications of continuous light having a stronger effect at low temperatures on muscle growth dynamics were found. A difference in the size class distribution of fibre diameter was found between photoperiod treatments at 9 °C, suggesting that continuous light resulted in elevated hypertrophic growth at low temperature. This may suggest that the increased growth rate found at continuous light at 9 °C may be a result of hypertrophic growth in juvenile halibut.     

Development of a feeding strategy for silver perch, Bidyanus bidyanus (Mitchell), based on restricted rations

To develop a feeding strategy for the Australian freshwater fish silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus Mitchell), a series of eight experiments was done in 1 m³ cages in an aerated, earthen pond to determine the effects of feeding rate (% body weight) and feeding frequency (no. of feeds day^?1) on the growth and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of fingerlings and larger fish under ambient water temperatures over the range 13.8–30.6°C. Fish were fed extruded pellets of a silver perch diet containing 34% digestible protein and 14 MJ kg^?1 digestible energy. Commercial silver perch farmers were consulted about feeding practices for large fish (>500 g) and at water temperatures below 12°C, and winter feeding practices for other warmwater species were used to complete the strategy. In the feeding experiments, growth and FCR increased with increasing feeding rates to a level above which only FCR increased. Optimal feeding rates and frequencies were those which resulted in maximal growth, while minimizing effort (feeding frequency) and FCR. The highest feeding frequency required for maximal growth, including that of small fingerlings was twice (2 ×) daily, and the optimal feeding rates varied with water temperature and size of fish. The optimal daily regimes were: small fingerlings (initial mean weight, 2.0 g) 7.5% 2 × at a mean temperature of 23.3°C; fingerlings (14.9–27.7 g) 7.5% 2 × at 27.1°C, 5.0% 2 × at 23.7°C and 2.0% 1 × at 16.8°C; and large silver perch (162.5–510.6 g) 0.5% 1 × daily or 1.0% on alternate days at 15.6°C, 1.0% 1 × at 17.3°C, 3.0% 2 × at 24.1°C and 2.0% 2 × at 27.9°C. It is suggested that regimes of 0.5% 1 × daily for fingerlings (<50 g) and 0.5% 1 × on alternate days for larger fish are used at temperatures of 9–12°C, and 0.5% 3 days week^?1 and 0.5% 1 day week^?1 for fingerlings and larger fish, respectively, at 6–9°C. Feed inputs should not exceed 150 kg ha^?1 day^?1 in ponds less than 0.3 ha and 100 kg ha^?1 day^?1 in larger ponds. Our research has established a feeding strategy for silver perch based on restricted rations.     

Growth and oxygen consumption of the juvenile sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka) at constant and fluctuating water temperatures

The effects of thermal amplitudes of diel fluctuating temperature on growth and oxygen consumption of the juvenile sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka) were studied at the average temperatures of 15 and 18°C with three diel different fluctuating amplitudes of ±2, ±4 and ±6°C. The optimum thermal amplitudes for growth of the juvenile sea cucumber at the sizes of this experiment, at average temperatures of 15 and 18°C, were estimated to be ±1.38 and ±1.67°C respectively. In the constant temperature regimes, the growth rate at 15°C was higher than that at 18°C. However, the growth rate at 18±2°C was higher than that at 15±2°C. The results from this study suggested that fluctuating temperatures enhanced the optimum temperature for the growth of sea cucumbers compared with that at constant temperatures. Therefore, accurate predictions of the optimum temperature of sea cucumbers in the natural environment, in which water temperatures fluctuate daily and seasonally, should be made from data obtained at fluctuating temperatures.     

Effects of body size and water temperature on food consumption and growth in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka) with special reference to aestivation

To investigate the effects of body size and water temperature on feeding and growth in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka), the maximum rate of food consumption in terms of energy (C_maxe; J day^?1) and the specific growth rate in terms of energy (SGRe; % day^?1) in animals of three body sizes (mean±SE) – large (134.0±3.5 g), medium (73.6±2.2 g) and small (36.5±1.2 g) – were determined at water temperatures of 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30°C. Maximum rate of food consumption in terms of energy increased and SGRe decreased with increasing body weight at 10, 15 and 20°C. This trend, however, was not apparent at 25 and 30°C, which could be influenced by aestivation. High water temperatures (above 20°C) were disadvantageous to feeding and growth of this animal; SGRe of A. japonicus during aestivation was negative. The optimum temperatures for food consumption and for growth were similar and were between 14 and 15°C, and body size seemed to have a slight effect on the optimal temperature for food consumption or growth. Because aestivation of A. japonicus was temperature dependent, the present paper also documented the threshold temperatures to aestivation as indicated by feeding cessation. Deduced from daily food consumption of individuals, the threshold temperature to aestivation for large and medium animals (73.3–139.3 g) was 24.5?25.5°C, while that for small animals (28.9–40.7 g) was between 25.5 and 30.5°C. These values are higher than previous reports; differences in sign of aestivation, experimental condition and dwelling district of test animals could be the reasons.     

Effect of number of meals and frequency of feeding on voluntary feed intake of Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier)

Juvenile, 0.87 g Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier) were submitted to different ad libitum feeding regimes. Feeding frequency ranged from one to five meals per day and intervals between meals from 3 h to 24 h. Higher feeding frequencies resulted in higher feed uptake, a higher growth rate and a decreased feed utilization efficiency. Feed consumption was lower at 0700 h than at 1900 h. The amount of feed from different meals persisting in the digestive tract was determined with chromic-oxide-marked feed. This method revealed that with ad libitum feeding, about 21% of the feed remained uneaten. Feed losses did not differ significantly between feeding regimes. Feed accumulated in the digestive tract in the morning and early afternoon. In the late afternoon most feed rests disappeared from the digestive tract and feed consumption increased. It is suggested that feed uptake and growth of C. macropomum can be improved by extending the feeding period after 1900 h.     

Effects of temperature on growth,survival and physiological parameters in juveniles of Lophiosilurus alexandri,a carnivorous neotropical catfish

This study aimed to analyse the effects of different water temperatures on the growth, survival and blood physiological parameters of Lophiosilurus alexandri. Juveniles measuring 12.6 ± 0.5 cm and weighing 30.6 ± 3.6 g were subjected to four water temperature regimes: 23, 26, 29 and 32°C with four replicates. The animals were fed twice daily with formulated diet. The experiment lasted for 35 days. Survival was 100% at all water temperatures, and the best temperature for growth was estimated to be 27.8°C using a quadratic regression model. The estimated temperatures for the best feed conversion and highest feed consumption rates were 26.2 and 28.8°C respectively. The fat visceral‐somatic index was highest at 32°C. The highest haemoglobin and haematocrit values were 29.4 and 32.1°C respectively. For plasma protein and cholesterol, the lowest values estimated were 23.9 and 24.1°C respectively. Glucose and liver nitrogen content increased with rising temperature. Higher values of total ammonia in the water were observed at higher temperatures. No effects of temperature were seen on the amounts of muscle dry matter, nitrogen, energy content and triglycerides or on the hepatosomatic index. Water temperature has an important role in the developmental and blood physiological parameters of juvenile L. alexandri, and the quadratic regression model showed that the appropriate temperature for growth is between 27 and 28°C.     

The interrelation between temperature regimes and fish size in juvenile Atlantic cod (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Gadus morhua</Emphasis>): effects on growth and feed conversion efficiency

The present paper describes the growth properties of juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) reared at 7, 10, 13 and 16 °C, and a group reared under “temperature steps” i.e. with temperature reduced successively from 16 to 13 and 10 °C. Growth rate and feed conversion efficiency of juvenile Atlantic cod were significantly influenced by the interaction of temperature and fish size. Overall growth was highest in the 13 °C and the T-step groups but for different reasons, as the fish at 13 °C had 10% higher overall feeding intake compared to the T-step group, whereas the T-step had 8% higher feeding efficiency. After termination of the laboratory study the fish were reared in sea pens at ambient conditions for 17 months. The groups performed differently when reared at ambient conditions in the sea as the T-step group was 11.6, 11.5, 5.3 and 7.5% larger than 7, 10, 13 and 16 °C, respectively in June 2005. Optimal temperature for growth and feed conversion efficiency decreased with size, indicating an ontogenetic reduction in optimum temperature for growth with increasing size. The results suggest an optimum temperature for growth of juvenile Atlantic cod in the size range 5–50 g dropping from 14.7 °C for 5–10 g juvenile to 12.4 °C for 40–50 g juvenile. Moreover, a broader parabolic regression curve between growth, feed conversion efficiency and temperature as size increases, indicate increased temperature tolerance with size. The study confirms that juvenile cod exhibits ontogenetic variation in temperature optimum, which might partly explain different spatial distribution of juvenile and adult cod in ocean waters. Our study also indicates a physiological mechanism that might be linked to cod migrations as cod may maximize their feeding efficiency by active thermoregulation.     

Effect of partial replacement of fish meal with soybean meal and feeding frequency on growth,feed utilization and body composition of juvenile Chinese sucker,Myxocyprinus asiaticus (Bleeker)

A factorial (2 × 4) feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding frequency and partial replacement of fish meal (FM) with soybean meal (SBM) on the growth performance, feed utilization and body proximate composition of juvenile Chinese sucker. Two feed types including replacement of 30% FM (diet 1) with SBM (diet 2) were used. Triplicate groups of fish (average weight, 11.80 ± 0.19 g) were fed each feed type to visual satiation at four meals per day, three meals per day, two meals per day and one meal per day for 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, the survival of fish was not significantly different among the treatments. Weight gain was affected by the feeding frequency. The highest weight gain was observed in fish fed with diet 1 at three meals per day. There existed a significant difference in daily feed intake (DFI), daily protein intake (DPI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) when the feeding frequency was increased from one or two to three or four meals per day (P < 0.001), but not by the feed types. For both two feed types, the highest DFI and DPI were observed at three meals per day. The highest PER was gained at four meals per day, while FCR was the least. The body proximate composition of fish was altered by feeding frequency. The crude lipid content increased with the increase in feeding frequency. Essential amino acids (EAAs) content showed no significant differences among different treatments. The present findings suggest that three feedings per day at visual satiation may be sufficient for the maximal growth performance of Chinese sucker grown from 11 to 45 g. Results also indicate that about 30% of FM protein can be replaced by SBM protein in Chinese sucker diets without adversely affecting growth.     

Dietary strategies to improve the growth and feed utilization of barramundi,Lates calcarifer under high water temperature conditions

Several dietary strategies to ameliorate poorer growth observed to occur at temperatures above the upper thermal optima were examined with juvenile barramundi (Lates calcarifer). A reference (REF) and three experimental diets, one with an increased protein to energy ratio (PRO), another with an increased level of the amino acid histidine (HIS) and a third with supplementation of dietary nucleotides (NUC), were each fed to fish at either 30 °C or 37 °C for a 28‐day period. Growth was affected by both temperature and diet. Fish fed the PRO diet at 30 °C grew fastest, but not faster than those fed the NUC diet at the same temperature. The addition of the amino acid histidine to the diet did not improve growth rates at either temperature. At water temperatures of 37 °C, only the fish fed the PRO diet had growth rates equivalent to those of fish at the 30 °C temperatures. Other key factors including feed intake, feed conversion rate, nutrient and energy retention and plasma enzymology were also all affected by temperature and diet. This study shows that the use of a diet with an increased protein to energy ratio provides significant benefits in terms of reducing the impact of growth retardation at higher temperatures.     

Effects of feeding frequency and feed type on the growth,feed utilization and body composition of juvenile olive flounder,Paralichthys olivaceus

A factorial (3 × 4) feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding frequency and feed type on the growth performance, feed utilization and body proximate composition of juvenile olive flounder. Three feed types including a sinking moist pellet (MP), a sinking dry pellet (DP) and a floating extruded pellet (EP) were used. Fish (average weight, 11.1 ± 0.4 g) were randomly distributed in thirty‐six 300 L tanks in a flowthrough system. Triplicate groups (30 fish per tank) of fish were fed each feed type to visual satiation at three meals per day, two meals per day, one meal per day and one meal every 2 days for 7 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, the survival of fish was not significantly different among the treatments. Weight gain was affected by the feeding frequency. The highest weight gain was observed in fish fed the EP at three meals per day. The daily feed intake of fish fed the MP and DP tended to be higher than that of fish fed the EP at each feeding frequency. The feed efficiency and the protein efficiency ratio of fish fed the EP were higher than those of fish fed the MP and DP. The body proximate composition of fish was altered by the feeding frequency. The crude lipid content increased with the increase in the feeding frequency. The present findings suggest that three feedings per day at visual satiation of the floating EP may be sufficient for the maximal growth performance of olive flounder grown from 11 to 60 g.     

Stepwise temperature regulation and its effect on growth,feeding and muscle growth patterns of juvenile Atlantic halibut (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hippoglossus hippoglossus</Emphasis> L.)

To investigate the possible direct effect of a stepwise reduction in temperature with increasing size on growth, feeding parameters and muscle growth patterns of juvenile Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.), 804 juvenile halibut (mean initial weight individuals: 14.2 g ± 0.2 SEM) were reared at constant 9, 12 and 15°C or shifted (T-step, i.e. 15–12°C after 36 days) for 99 days. Despite indications of lower optimal temperature for growth with increasing size, equal end weights were obtained between the constant 12°C, constant 15°C and T-step groups. Best overall growth was observed for the group kept at constant 12°C. The limited effect of the T-step group may relate to the size at movement (too big), the temperatures investigated (close to optimum) and the time and size interval investigated (too narrow). Differences in growth were reflected more by alterations in feed intake (C _T and F%) than by differences in feed conversion efficiencies (FCE). Differences were found with respect to the density of muscle cells, whereas no differences were found between the average muscle cell diameters. The mean diameter of muscle cells tended to increase only slightly with increasing fish weight, while the mean density of muscle cells tended to decrease. Using an optimum temperature of 12°C, an indication of a possible increased rate of hyperplasia in relation to higher growth was seen.     

投喂频率对尼罗系吉富罗非鱼幼鱼胃排空、生长性能和体组成的影响

通过胃排空试验与养殖试验研究了不同投喂频率对尼罗系吉富罗非鱼幼鱼的胃排空、生长性能以及体组成的影响.在试验开始时,观测尼罗系吉富罗非鱼幼鱼的胃内饲料排空情况,胃排空试验结果表明,胃排空率的最佳描述为平方根函数,胃内饲料在饱食投喂后15 h左右完全排空,达到投喂前水平,80％胃排空为9h,也就是投喂后大约9h恢复食欲.360尾试验鱼(初始体质量3.72 g)以不同的投喂频率(1d4次、1d3次、1d2次、2d4次、2d3次、2d2次)分组,每组设立3个平行组,随机养殖于18个网箱中,每箱养殖20尾鱼,按饱食量投饲膨化饲料.养殖期为6周.尼罗系吉富罗非鱼幼鱼在投喂频率为1d4次、1d3次和1d2次时特定生长率和饲料效率显著高于投喂频率为2d4次、2d3次和2d2次时(P＜0.05)；投喂频率为1d2次、2d4次、2d3次和2d2次时其摄食量显著低于1d4次和1d3次时(P＜0.05).随着投喂频率降低,鱼体水分含量逐步上升,脂肪和蛋白质含量逐步下降,其中1d4次、1d3次组鱼与2d2次组鱼有显著性差异(P＜0.05).各投喂频率组间的肝体指数无显著性差异(P＞0.05).3.7～48.0 g尼罗系吉富罗非鱼幼鱼的适宜投喂频率为1d2次,较2d2次、2d3次和2d4次时明显提高了生长速度和饲料效率,较1d3次、1d4次摄食量显著降低.2种试验结果较为一致.     

Pattern of feed intake in four species of fish under commercial farming conditions: implications for feeding management

Meal duration and feed ingestion rate were measured in sea cage-reared Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, yellowtail Seriola quinqueradiata and red sea bream Pagrus major fed dry extruded feed in discrete meals. At the population level, satiation times in yellowtail, salmon and trout were typically about 15–25 min, but time to satiation was longer (60–90 min) in red sea bream. In all species, feed ingestion rate declined progressively during the course of the meal as the fish became satiated. Initial feed ingestion rates in salmon were ≈ 0.3–0.5 kg feed tonne fish^–1 min^–1 and in trout 0.5–0.9 kg feed tonne fish^–1 min^–1, although the capacity to deliver feed may have restricted ingestion. Water temperature had little effect on ingestion rates, possibly because the number of meals per day (1–3) was varied with water temperature, and this may have standardized hunger level at the start of meals. Yellowtail ingested feed at ≈ 3.5 kg feed tonne fish^–1 min^–1 at water temperatures of 18 °C and 28 °C, whereas red sea bream ingested feed at initial rates of 0.6 and 1.4 kg feed tonne fish^–1 min^–1at 26.5 °C and 18 °C respectively. The findings are discussed in relation to feeding strategies to minimize interfish competition for feed and to improve the ability of fish farmers to detect the point at which fish are satiated.     

Combined effects of water temperature and daily food availability period on the growth and survival of tench (Tinca tinca) larvae

A 16‐day experiment was designed to find the best combination of water temperature (27, 30, 33°C) and daily duration of food availability (12, 18, 24 h) for larval tench (Tinca tinca) growth and survival. Larvae with an initial mean size of 5.7 mm total length (TL) and 0.7 mg wet body weight (BW) were stocked at 15 L^?1. Larvae were fed in excess with live Artemia nauplii with the period of food availability lasting 12, 18 or 24 h daily. The largest final larval size was recorded at 27 and 30°C in groups fed for 24 h a day (17.7 and 17.9 mm TL, 76.1 and 77.7 mg BW, respectively). The combination of the highest temperature and the longest daily food availability was the only set of conditions under which final larval survival was affected (95.4% survival; 98.7–99.9% under all other conditions). The combination of water temperature of about 28.6°C and continuous food availability is recommended as the optimum combination for rearing T. tinca larvae under controlled conditions. Providing continuous food supply to fish larvae under aquaculture conditions was also advantageous in helping to mitigate the effects of slower growth relative to developmental progress, which can occur at high water temperatures. However, should one wish to limit the daily feeding period to 12 h per day, the use of a water temperature between 27.4 and 27.9°C would be the best solution.     

Passing times of two types of feeds in wels (Silurus glanis) at three different temperatures

Passing times of two different types of feeds were determined in cases of wels (Silurus glanis) by measuring the body weight at three different temperatures. Fingerlings, 38.03 ± 8.04 g, were fed by an artificial dry feed (commercial catfish feed) or forage fish. The treatments were carried out (11 fish/aquaria) in 3 replicates. Fish were individually tagged by pit tags. Temperatures applied were the following: 15, 20 and 24 °C. The appetite of fish highly depended on temperature. At 15 °C, only 42.4 % of the experimental fish accepted the granulated feed, while this ratio was 90.9 % in the forage fish fed group. At higher temperatures, 100 % of the experimental fish accepted feed in both feeding groups. The daily mean value of consumed feed at 15 °C was 3.20 % of body weight in the case of forage fish and 1.36 % in the case of dry feed. At 24 °C, this ratio was 10.68 % of body weight in cases of forage fish and 4.46 % in cases of artificial feed. At low temperature (15 °C), the quantity of consumed feed met the measurement’s error threshold, which made the determination of passing time uncertain. At 20 °C, the evacuation started 20 h after feeding and lasted for 18 h, while at 24 °C, it started 11 h after feeding and lasted for another 16 h.     

Performance of Advanced Juvenile Cobia,Rachycentron canadum,Reared Under Different Thermal Regimes: Evidence for Compensatory Growth and a Method for Cold Banking

ABSTRACT

Two trials were undertaken to examine the growth response of juvenile cobia, Rachycentron canadum, at varying temperatures. The initial trial was conducted to determine the effect of various temperatures (18, 23, and 29°C) on weight gain and feed efficiency. The second trial investigated the effect of elevating water temperature in which fish maintained at 18°C and 23°C to a temperature close to their optimum (29°C). The latter study was undertaken in order to determine the effect of thermal shifts upon subsequent growth response of the species. Such information will assist commercial producers in developing various culture guidelines. As anticipated, differences (P < 0.01) in weight gain were recorded among all treatments, although remarkably, feed efficiency did not differ for cobia held at 23°C and 29°C. Following thermal shift, cobia subjected to the largest temperature change (18–29°C) illustrated an immediate growth response, but specific growth rates (SGR) did not exceed that of cobia held at 29°C for the duration of the trial. Nevertheless, when SGR were examined using fish of similar size (i.e., derived from different time points during the study) evidence for growth compensation was obtained. This study illustrates that cobia can be held at reduced temperatures, without detrimental impact on future performance, as a means of maintaining animals at smaller size for production and experimental purposes: “Cold banking.”     

Species‐specific effects of subdaily temperature fluctuations on consumption,growth and stress responses in two physiologically similar fish species

Fluctuations in water temperature can have important physiological consequences for fishes. Effects of daily thermal cycles are well studied and can be beneficial, increasing prey consumption and growth rates when mean and maximum temperatures of the fluctuations are at or below the species’ optimum temperature. While less studied, subdaily temperature fluctuations are also common in many aquatic habitats and can be caused by both natural and anthropogenic processes. We performed laboratory experiments to examine how two fish species (yellow perch, Perca flavescens, and walleye, Sander vitreus) with similar thermal preferences respond to chronic exposure to subdaily temperature variability. We selected temperature treatments that reflected observed thermal variation after examining water temperature data from multiple aquatic systems. We then separately exposed yellow perch and walleye to a stable 23 °C treatment and 12‐h cycles of 23 ± 2 °C or 23 ± 4 °C for 45 days. Adult yellow perch exposed to fluctuations of 23 ± 4 °C over 12 h expressed higher consumption, growth and food conversion efficiency than fish experiencing stable 23 °C. Temperature fluctuations, though, resulted in mortalities and the development of skin ulcers in yellow perch that did not occur under stable temperatures. In contrast, the same 12‐h temperature fluctuations did not result in mortalities or stress responses in juvenile walleye. Moreover, unlike yellow perch, growth rates of walleye were lower under 12‐h temperature fluctuations compared with the stable 23 °C treatment. Our results indicate that species with similar thermal preferences can respond differently to the same subdaily temperature fluctuations.     

Effects of Feeding Rate and Feeding Frequency on Survival, Growth, and Body Composition of Ayu Post-Larvae Plecoglossus altivelis

The effects of feeding rate and feeding frequency on survival, growth and body composition of ayu post‐larvae (0.15 g in body weight and 3.5 cm in total length) were investigated in this study. A factorial experimental design of two feeding rates (3 and 6% of body weight of fish per meal) five feeding frequencies (one meal in 2 d, one meal a day, two meals a day, four meals a day, and six meals a day) with three replicates was used. Survival of ayu post‐larvae was significantly (P 0.05) affected by feeding frequency but not by feeding rate. Survival of ayu improved linearly with feeding frequency at both feeding rates. Weight and length gains and specific growth rate (SGR) of ayu was significantly (P 0.05) affected by feeding frequency but not by feeding rate, with weight and length gains and SGR linearly elevated with increasing feeding frequency at both feeding rates. The greatest weight and length gains were observed in fish receiving six meals daily at both feeding rates; however, no significant difference in weight gain was observed among two, four, and six meals a day, or in length gain between four and six meals a day. Feed efficiency ratio (FER) was significantly (P 0.05) affected by both feeding rate and feeding frequency. FER linearly decreased with feeding frequency at both feeding rates or feeding rate in the same feeding frequency. When the total daily amount of feed supply was constant with various feeding frequencies at different feeding rates (one meal a day at 3% feeding rate and one meal in 2 d at 6% feeding rate, two meals a day at 3% feeding rate and one meal a day at 6% feeding rate, or four meals a day at 3% feeding rate and two meals a day at 6% feeding rate), improvement in survival, weight and length gains, and SGR was observed in fish with higher feeding frequency at lower feeding rate. Moisture, protein, and lipid content of fish were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by either feeding rate or feeding frequency. However, lipid content of ayu linearly increased with feeding frequency at 6% feeding rate. The highest body lipid content was observed in fish receiving six meals daily at both feeding rates. Ash content of fish was significantly (P 0.05) affected by feeding frequency but not by feeding rate. Based on performance of ayu, it can be concluded that optimum feeding rate and feeding frequency for ayu post‐larvae (an initial weight of 0.15 g) were 3% per meal and four meals a day, respectively, under these experimental conditions.