Population density,growth and reproduction of arapaima in an Amazonian river‐floodplain

Arantes CC, Castello L, Stewart DJ, Cetra M, Queiroz HL. Population density, growth and reproduction of arapaima in an Amazonian river‐floodplain. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 455–465. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract – Compensatory density effects are key features of fish population dynamics that remain poorly understood in tropical river‐floodplains. We investigated possible compensatory growth and reproductive processes for a river‐floodplain population of Arapaima sp., an extinction‐prone fish species of South America. Body growth was studied through analysis of ring patterns on the scales, and size and age at sexual maturity was studied through analysis of female gonads. Growth and maturity were compared for unmanaged conditions with relatively low population density (in 1990s) versus managed conditions with markedly higher density (in 2005–2006); between 1999 and 2005–2006, abundance increased 7.3 fold. Results contradict theoretical expectations for slower growth and delayed reproduction at higher population density. Total lengths of arapaima at low population density were significantly shorter for age classes 1–5 compared with lengths of those age classes at high population density (ancova , P < 0.0001 for both slopes and intercepts). Total length at 50% maturity (L₅₀) only declined about 4% with increasing density (e.g., 164 cm at low density vs. 157 cm at high density). Apparent faster growth at high density and only a slight change in size at maturity resulted in fishes spawning at an earlier age with high density conditions (age 3 vs. age 4–5). We hypothesise that these patterns reflect compliance with minimum size limits of catch during the high density (managed) situation, where there was no harvest of immature fishes. Compliance with minimum size limits, thus, may have led to faster average body growth rate and earlier reproduction, which has greatly promoted population recovery.     

Remaining questions in the case for balanced harvesting

Balanced harvesting – harvesting all species and sizes in an ecosystem in proportion to their productivity – is a fisheries management strategy that has been suggested recently to increase yields, while reducing overall ecosystem impact. However, some aspects of balanced harvesting are controversial, including its call for extensive harvesting of juveniles and forage fish. Balanced harvesting also calls for targeting species and size‐classes that are not currently marketable, possibly at a significant economic cost. Some have argued that this cost is outweighed by the ecological benefits of maintaining the ecosystem size and trophic structures and by the benefits of extra yield for food security. There is broad consensus that balanced harvesting would require major changes to fishery management institutions and consumer behaviour, and it is unclear to what extent it is physically possible with current technologies. For this reason, we argue that steps to implement balanced harvesting are difficult to justify until the case for it is more clearly resolved. We outline some of the pivotal questions that must be answered to make a convincing case for or against balanced harvesting, many of which can be answered empirically. In identifying these questions, we hope to offer a constructive path forward in resolving some of the key issues in the balanced harvesting debate.     

Effects of starvation on survival,growth and development of Exopalaemon carinicauda larvae

This study aimed at evaluating the effects of two starvation modes (fasting‐feeding mode and feeding‐fasting mode) on survival, growth and development of mysis larvae of Exopalaemon carinicauda. It showed that food restriction significantly affected the survival, growth and development in both starvation modes. With the extension of initial starvation period, a significantly reduced survival rate during metamorphosis was observed. In the fasting‐feeding mode, the duration of metamorphosis was extended and the body lengths of the individuals, which experienced successful metamorphosis to the post‐larval stage 1, were much shorter. In the feeding‐fasting mode, the extension of initial feeding period led to dramatically increased survival rate and body lengths, while there was no significant difference in duration of metamorphosis of those groups that reached to post‐larval stage. The 50% point‐of‐no‐return and the 50% point‐of‐reserve‐saturation were 3.85 days and 4.81 days respectively. The results of this study indicate that E. carinicauda mysis have the ability to withstand or recover from relatively extended starvation, but to ensure the success of commercial seedling, timely and adequate feeding is necessary. The information obtained from this study could provide a basis to optimize the feeding schedule of artificial seedling of E. carinicauda.     

Growth and morphology of an endangered native freshwater fish,crucian carp Carassius carassius,in an English ornamental pond

• 1. Crucian carp Carassius carassius, which is native to south‐east England, has received little previous study in Britain but is threatened by introductions of goldfish Carassius auratus through hybridization and by frequent mis‐identification of brown goldfish as crucian carp. The present study provides the first data on back‐calculated growth, morphology and age‐at‐maturity of crucian carp in Britain.
• 2. The youngest mature crucian were female (age 2+), the smallest mature crucian were male (age 3+), with almost all fish mature at age 3+. Sex dimorphism in back‐calculated standard length at age was not observed except at age 2+ (juveniles longest). Shifts in morphological characters often associated with maturation (dorsal and ventral fin length, dorsal and anal fin depth, pre‐dorsal distance, body width) were observed between ages 4+ and 7+, which (in contrast to the relatively abrupt shift in maturity) suggests that age and size at maturation may not reflect the size and age of active (i.e. real) spawning.
• 3. Back‐calculated standard lengths at age for crucian carp were intermediate relative to other European populations, indicating that environmental conditions in England appear to be well suited to the species despite being at the westernmost extent of the species' native European range. The management of ornamental ponds specifically for crucian carp is discussed.

© Crown copyright 2007. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of dietary cholesterol on hepatopancreas associated with morphotypic differentiation in male Amazon River Prawns,Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller, 1862)

Cholesterol is a necessary element in the diet of prawns and it is involved in the metabolic processes of sexual maturation and synthesis of the molting hormone. Freshwater prawns are not able to synthesise cholesterol from specialised metabolic pathways. The aim of this study was to describe changes in structural and morphometric patterns of hepatopancreas associated with morphotypic differentiation of males Macrobrachium amazonicum when fed with different levels of cholesterol. Considering the four morphotypes of this species, Translucent Claw morphotype specimens were split into experimental units and divided into four groups, fed with different levels of cholesterol (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%) for 50 days. They were collected as they reached Green Claw (GC) morphotype, weighed to determine the hepatosomatic index, and the hepatopancreas was processed in histological routine for morphologic and morphometric analysis. In this study, it was possible to observe that the 2% cholesterol treatment exhibited more animals that reached the GC morphotype, and there was no significant weight gain in all treatments. Histologically, B‐cell abundance and hypervacuolized as well as F‐ and R‐cells shortages were observed as the percentage of cholesterol increased. This alteration in cellular profile correlates with the morphometric analyses that exhibited an increase in epithelial area and alterations in the lumen shape. This imbalance observed in the lumen‐epithelium relationship may be associated with a low digestive performance and possibly congested the functions of hepatopancreas. Thus, high doses of cholesterol promoted morphotypic differentiation without weight gain, due to alterations on hepatopancreas.     

Spatio‐temporal analyses of marine predator diets from data‐rich and data‐limited systems

Accounting for variation in prey mortality and predator metabolic potential arising from spatial variation in consumption is an important task in ecology and resource management. However, there is no statistical method for processing stomach content data that accounts for fine‐scale spatio‐temporal structure while expanding individual stomach samples to population‐level estimates of predation. Therefore, we developed an approach that fits a spatio‐temporal model to both prey‐biomass‐per‐predator‐biomass data (i.e. the ratio of prey biomass in stomachs to predator weight) and predator biomass survey data, to predict “predator‐expanded‐stomach‐contents” (PESCs). PESC estimates can be used to visualize either the annual landscape of PESCs (spatio‐temporal variation), or can be aggregated across space to calculate annual variation in diet proportions (variation among prey items and among years). We demonstrated our approach in two contrasting scenarios: a data‐rich situation involving eastern Bering Sea (EBS) large‐size walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus, Gadidae) for 1992–2015; and a data‐limited situation involving West Florida Shelf red grouper (Epinephelus morio, Epinephelidae) for 2011–2015. Large walleye pollock PESC was predicted to be higher in very warm years on the Middle Shelf of the EBS, where food is abundant. Red grouper PESC was variable in north‐western Florida waters, presumably due to spatio‐temporal variation in harmful algal bloom severity. Our approach can be employed to parameterize or validate diverse ecosystem models, and can serve to address many fundamental ecological questions, such as providing an improved understanding of how climate‐driven changes in spatial overlap between predator and prey distributions might influence predation pressure.     

(‐)‐Epicatechin gallate,a metabolite of (‐)‐epigallocatechin gallate in grass carp,exhibits antiviral activity in vitro against grass carp reovirus

(‐)‐Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a catechin found in green tea, has been demonstrated to exhibit activity against grass carp reovirus (GCRV). In the current study, we found that EGCG is partially transformed in vivo into (‐)‐epicatechin gallate (ECG), which differs from EGCG only by the absence of a hydroxyl group, and exhibits similar pharmacokinetic behaviour to that of EGCG. ECG is also a major catechin in green tea, but little information on its antiviral activity is available. Therefore, we assessed whether ECG affects GCRV in vitro. We incubated grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) kidney (CIK) cells with ECG and GCRV‐JX01 at different concentrations, and typical cytopathogenic effect (CPE) values were observed for 5 and 10 µg/ml ECG. However, the CPE in 20 µg/ml ECG treatment group was low; no significant CPE was observed for 40 µg/ml ECG treatment; and a high ECG concentration (80 µg/ml) led to stress response in the CIK cells. Western blot results also revealed that ECG suppresses GCRV replication in CIK cells. Thus, the data indicate that ECG, as well as EGCG, exhibits potential as an antiviral agent for aquaculture.     

Using the same fish with different rules: A science‐based approach for improving management of recreational fisheries in a biodiversity hotspot of the Western South Atlantic

In this study we tested the hypothesis that Centropomus parallelus Poey moves between areas where fishing tourism is important, but the management rules for recreational fisheries are different. Fieldwork was conducted from May 2014 to June 2017 in an estuary located in the border between the states of São Paulo and Paraná, South‐Southeastern Brazil. Through a mark and recapture experiment, 2.000 individuals were tagged, of which 42 were recaptured. Among these, six fish were recaptured in Paraná, after being tagged in São Paulo, and a fish was recaptured in São Paulo, after being tagged in Paraná. These results support the hypothesis tested and indicate an uneven use of C. parallelus by anglers in both states. Thus, the use of the species and the recreational fisheries regulations need to be reviewed in the study area, taking into account the ability of C. parallelus to move across political boundaries and the importance of a fish‐oriented fisheries management regime.     

Genotyping‐by‐sequencing for construction of a new genetic linkage map and QTL analysis of growth‐related traits in Pacific bluefin tuna

Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) has high market value, but its wild populations have decreased in recent years. The broodstock of Pacific bluefin tuna that were hatched artificially and reared under aquaculture conditions is beginning to be used for production. The creation of broodstock with commercially valuable traits, such as rapid growth, is therefore of great interest. Genetic linkage map‐based identification of markers associated with quantitative trait loci (QTLs) facilitates marker‐assisted selection (MAS) breeding and allows efficient genetic improvement of broodstock. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐based genetic linkage map construction using the genotyping‐by‐sequencing method can expand the number of mapped markers and help identify growth‐related QTLs. In this study, we constructed sex‐specific maps for 24 linkage groups consisting of 677 SNP and 651 microsatellite markers. The total lengths of 93 progenies in the mapping population followed normal distribution, with an average length of 9.4 mm. We performed composite interval mapping in the mapping population. QTL analysis revealed one significant QTL in LG10 on the female linkage map. The genetic linkage map—the second such map generated for Pacific bluefin tuna—and the growth‐related QTLs detected in this study will be useful for tuna aquaculture MAS programs.     

Spatial distribution and abundance of the by‐catch coastal elasmobranch Raja undulata: Managing a fishery after moratorium

The undulate ray Raja undulata Lacepède is a coastal species common along the north‐eastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea and is highly accessible to coastal fisheries. Between 2009 and 2015, the species was under a European Union (EU) fisheries moratorium that hampered the collection of data to assess its stock status in Portuguese waters. After that period, a small experimental EU fishing quota was set for Portugal enabling collection of fishery data under a fishermen self‐sampling scenario. Based on the data collected, R. undulata abundance was estimated along the Portuguese continental coast through the application of a N‐mixture model and incorporating environmental factors. The results support the species coastal and patchy nature across the study area with higher abundances estimated in areas associated with shallow sandy bottoms as the Southwest region. The present work constitutes an important step for the management of this fishery resource, in particular concerns about its abundance trends over time and its spatial distribution and habitat requirements.     

Dietary vitamin E could improve growth performance,lipid peroxidation and non‐specific immune responses for juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum)

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to establish the dietary vitamin E requirement of juvenile cobia. The basal diet was supplemented with 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 120 mg vitamin E kg^?1 as all‐rac‐α‐tocopheryl acetate. The results indicated that fish fed the diets supplemented vitamin E had significantly higher specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, feed efficiency and survival rate than those fed the basal diet. It was further observed that vitamin E concentrations in liver increased significantly when the dietary vitamin E level increased from 13.2 to 124 mg kg^?1. Fish fed the basal diet had significantly higher thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances concentrations in liver than those fed the diets supplemented vitamin E. Fish fed the diets supplemented with 45.7 and 61.2 mg kg^?1 vitamin E had significantly higher red blood cell and haemoglobin than those fed the basal diet, while fish fed the diets supplemented with 61.2 and 124 mg kg^?1 vitamin E had higher immunoglobulin concentration than those fish fed the basal diet. Lysozyme and superoxide dismutase were significantly influenced by the dietary vitamin E level. The dietary vitamin E requirement of juvenile cobia was established based on second‐order polynomial regression of weight gain and lysozyme to be 78 or 111 mg all‐rac‐α‐tocopheryl acetate kg^?1 diet, respectively.     

Squaring the circle: reconciling fishing and conservation of aquatic ecosystems

Size‐at‐entry regulations in fisheries cause major disruption to aquatic ecosystems, including truncation of age‐ and size‐structures, destabilization of fish stocks, directional selection on phenotypic traits and a by‐catch of unwanted species and sizes. Here, we use simple dynamic models of size‐spectra to examine an alternative, so‐called balanced harvesting. Balanced harvesting helps in retaining the approximate power‐law size‐structure of natural ecosystems, whereas size‐at‐entry regulations do not. Balanced harvesting is less likely to destabilize steady states than size‐at‐entry regulations set close to the size at maturation. Surprisingly, our numerical results suggest that steady‐state biomass yield can be substantially increased by switching from size‐at‐entry to balanced harvesting. On the basis of these results, we argue that the goals of conservation and of greater yields seem less difficult to reconcile than have previously been thought. However, to work towards these goals require a change in our approach to fishing.     

A quantitative method for detecting ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria in coastal aquaculture systems

There is a need to quantify autotrophic nitrifiers in coastal aquaculture systems for evolving a bioremediation strategy. Autotrophic nitrifiers are extremely slow‐growing organisms, which cannot be detected by traditional methods as they are notoriously difficult to culture. Molecular techniques based on functional genes could be deployed for the detection of nitrifiers. Ammonia monooxygenase (amoA), that catalyses the oxidation of ammonia to hydroxylamine in the rate‐determining step of nitrification is largely unique to ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB). In the present study, a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay targeting amoA was developed to estimate AOB population size in coastal soil, ammonia‐removing bioaugmentors and the solid matrix. To achieve this objective, different set of primers and a dual labelled probe have been designed for SYBR Green and TaqMan real‐time assays. The abundance of AOB ranged from 10⁴ to 10⁶ order of magnitude in the samples. In the present study, biofilm formation of the consortium of nitrifying bacteria onto bagasse has also been quantified. The results demonstrate that the developed method is a rapid and sensitive tool for the quantitative detection of nitrifying bacteria in aquatic and related environment. This helps in making the bioremediation approach for ammonia removal by immobilization of nitrifying bacteria onto the natural substrate.     

An evaluation of European initiatives established to encourage industry‐led development of selective fishing gears

There are numerous examples from across Europe where collaborative science‐industry initiatives, which provide a bottom‐up approach to trawl gear development, have been successful in developing selective gears. For fishers, the collaborative approach creates a sense of ownership and control over the gears developed and often a greater desire for them to achieve their objectives. Despite the many benefits of collaborative initiatives, a lack of clarity and transparency, incorrect incentives, unclear communication, and distrust or diverging perceptions can inhibit their performance. The present review examines the different collaborative approaches to fishing gear development that have been established within Europe, highlighting their salient features, comparing their objectives, and discussing the types and effectiveness of the incentives offered. Also examined is how the reform of the European Union's (EU) Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), together with the proposed reform of the technical measures framework, can potentially improve the flexibility in the technical regulations and allow for such initiatives to be a central part in improving the state of fish stocks throughout the EU. Finally, a framework is proposed on how initiatives pertaining to industry‐led fishing gear development might look like under the reformed CFP.     

Crude protein in low‐fish meal diets for juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei can be reduced through a well‐balanced supplementation of essential amino acids

The use of supplemental essential amino acids (EAAs) has been shown to provide an opportunity to minimize excess levels of crude protein (CP) in animal feeds. The present study investigated the effect of reducing the amount of CP in low‐fish meal diets (5%) for juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei. Four sets of diets were prepared containing (% on a fed basis, mean ± SD) 31.24 ± 0.71, 33.70 ± 0.41, 36.90 ± 0.44, and 39.63 ± 0.14% CP, with each protein level containing a total dietary methionine (Met) (Met + Cys) level of 0.56 ± 0.02 (1.07 ± 0.23), 0.71 ± 0.01 (1.22 ± 0.20), 0.88 ± 0.02 (1.38 ± 0.22), or 1.04 ± 0.02% (1.55 ± 0.18%). Shrimp of 1.00 ± 0.08 g were stocked in 84 outdoor tanks of 1 m³ at a rate of 100 shrimp/m² and raised for 75 days. Final survival ranged from 83 to 97% and was unaffected by Met content. Both survival and yield were significantly depressed when shrimp were fed the 31% CP diet. Shrimp grew at a weekly rate of between 0.79 and 0.97 g, achieving a final body weight (BW) in excess of 10.8 g. There was a significant interaction between CP and Met over BW. Shrimp fed 0.56% Met achieved the lowest BW at harvest. Increasing CP beyond 34% did not enhance BW. With a dietary Met content of 0.71%, the highest BW was achieved with 34% CP compared to other levels. There was a significant improvement in Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) when CP was raised from 31 to 34%. Similarly, dietary Met levels above 0.71% resulted in a significantly better FCR compared to 0.56%. Our study has shown that, if dietary Met (Met + Cys) meets a minimum of 0.71% (1.22%), levels of CP could be reduced from 40 to 34% without adverse effects on shrimp performance.     

Effects of delayed first feeding on larval growth,survival and development of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Holothuroidea)

The time of first feeding is an important factor for establishing successful exogenous feeding in aquaculture hatcheries as it is crucial for larval survival and growth. The effects of delayed first feeding by the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus larvae were investigated. Groups of larvae were fed immediately after completion of the digestive tract (fed control) or starved for 24, 48, 72, 108 and 120 h post fertilization. The growth rates of A. japonicus larvae were the same as those of the control group when first feeding was delayed for less than 72 h. When the period of starvation was beyond 72 h, growth rates were reduced. The fed control group had the highest percentage of late auricularia larvae (70.0%) on day 11, followed by the groups starved for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively, which had 35.00%, 43.48% and 41.67% of late auricularia larvae. When larvae were starved for more than 72 h, the percentage of late auricularia larvae never exceeded 12.0%. Most larvae halted in development and were deformed before reaching metamorphosis when starved for 108 and 120 h. Prolonged exposure to starvation (more than 48 h) resulted in a significant decrease in percentage of larvae reaching settlement. The point‐of‐no‐return (PNR) of A. japonicus larvae was calculated 110.4 h. Ratios of stomach length to total length, stomach width to total width were more sensitive to starvation than other larval morphometrics. To avoid mortality and obtain adequate growth and development, A. japonicus larvae in commercial culture should be fed within 48 h of the completion of the digestive tract.     

Effects of feeding rate on growth performance and nutrient partitioning of young‐of‐the‐year white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)

A 10‐week growth trial was performed to evaluate the effects of feeding rate on growth performance, nutrient partitioning, and to determine the optimum feeding rate for young‐of‐the‐year white sturgeon. Three tanks with 30 fish per tank each were assigned to five feeding rates, 0.4–2.0% body weight per day (BW day^?1). Weight gain significantly (P < 0.05) increased with increasing feeding rate up to 1.2% BW day^?1. Feed efficiency exhibited an inverse relationship to weight gain. Hepatosomatic and gonadal‐fat‐body (GFB)‐somatic indices were significantly affected by feeding rate, and the lowest values were observed at 0.4% BW day^?1. The increased feeding rate significantly affected whole‐body and carcass lipid and moisture contents. Protein gain in the carcass, but not in the GFB, was significantly influenced by feeding rate. Lipid gain in the carcass and GFB was also significantly affected by feeding rate. Four regression models were tested for the estimation of optimum feeding rate, including one‐slope straight broken‐line, two‐slope straight broken‐line, quadratic broken‐line and quadratic models. Adjusted coefficient of correlation and corrected Akaike information criterion were used to compare model performance. The quadratic broken‐line model was chosen as the best based on the criteria. The estimated optimum feeding rate for young‐of‐the‐year white sturgeon (360 g) is 1.5% BW day^?1.     

Flood duration determines the reproduction success of fish in artificial oxbows in a floodplain of a potamal river

Janáč M, Ondračková M, Jurajda P, Valová Z, Reichard M. Flood duration determines the reproduction success of fish in artificial oxbows in a floodplain of a potamal river.
Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 644–655. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract – Fish reproduction was studied in six man‐made water bodies (borrow pits) adjacent to the channelised Dyje River (Danube basin) over five seasons. Terrestrial vegetation provided spawning and nursery habitats when inundated by raised water levels in the borrow pits (hereafter referred to as ‘floods’). The diversity of 0+ fish and the density of 0+ cyprinids (mainly Abramis bjoerkna, Scardinius erythrophthalmus and Rutilus rutilus) in June–October were positively correlated with flood duration in previous months. The density of 0+ Perca fluviatilis was independent of the flood duration. The density of spawners and predators did not influence the diversity of 0+ fish and the density of 0+ cyprinids. Receding flood and associated lack of shelters resulted in decreasing density of 0+ cyprinids, numbers sometimes decreasing to zero. Prolonged floods facilitated the survival of 0+ fish and resulted in high 1+ cyprinid density in the following season. Specific hydromorphological conditions (e.g., the presence of shallow littoral zone or flooded vegetation) are necessary to enable successful spawning and provide shelters for 0+ fish in artificial water bodies.     

An inhibitory compound produced by Pseudomonas with effectiveness on Vibrio harveyi

Persistence of the antivibrio property of the potential antagonistic probiotics, Pseudomonas MCCB 102 and 103, at different temperatures, pH and in organic solvents was studied. The antivibrio compound was extracted, purified and characterized using thin‐layer chromatography, high‐pressure liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography‐mass spectroscopy, UV–Vis and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and identified as N‐methyl‐1‐hydroxyphenazine, a phenazine antibiotic. The toxicity of the compound was tested in Penaeus monodon haemocyte culture and the IC₅₀ value was found to be 1.4 ± 0.31 mg L^?1. The compound was found to be bacteriostatic at 0.5 mg L^?1. Its stability to varying temperature, pH, organic solvents, prolonged shelf‐life and vibriostatic nature point to its suitability for prophylatic aquaculture application.     

A comparison of one‐slope straight broken‐line,two‐slope straight broken‐line,quadratic broken‐line and quadratic models to estimate an accurate optimum feeding rate for juvenile olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

Two feeding trials using different commercial feeds and different fish sizes were conducted to compare model performance of various regression models on the estimation of optimum feeding rates (OFR; % BW/day) for juvenile olive flounder. Six feeding rates ranging from 1% to 11% in trial I and another six feeding rates ranging from 1% to 6% in trial II were tested. Final body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, condition factor, nutrient gains, and whole‐body lipid and energy contents were significantly influenced by the feeding rates in both trials. The overall responses shown in trial I were generally comparable to those observed in trial II. In trial I, the OFR was estimated to be 7.3%, 5.7%, 9.8% and 10.2% by the one‐slope straight broken‐line, two‐slope straight broken‐line, quadratic broken‐line and quadratic models, respectively. In trial II, the OFR was estimated to be 4.8%, 4.6%, 8% and 8% by the one‐slope broken‐line, two‐slope broken‐line, quadratic broken‐line and quadratic models, respectively. Based on the model selection criteria (R²_adj and AICc), the quadratic broken‐line model was selected as the best‐fit model in both trials. This model that describes the dose–response relationship best among the tested models can be recommended when determining an OFR.