Growth and feeding of white steenbras, Lithognathus lithognathus (Cuvier) (Sparidae), under experimental culture conditions

Growth and feeding of white steenbras, Lithognathus lithognathus (Cuvier). under culture conditions was determined to assess its suitability for mariculture. Ration size ranged from 4.50% to 11.52% and from 1.67% 4.00% dry body weight for small (28 ± 2 g) and large (250 ± 23 g) fish, respectively. Condition factor (K) ranged from 1.19 to 1.35 and from 2.00 to 2.19 for small and large fish, respectively. Specific growth rate (SGR) at 16°C was 0.60% day^?1 for 28-g fish, 0.29% day^?1 for a 74-g fish, and 0.19% day^?1 for a 250-g fish. Gross conversion efficiency (GCE) was inefficient at high feeding levels (21.3%) compared with low feeding levels (32.6%). Proximate body composition in terms of moisture, protein. lipid, ash and energy were not significantly affected by feeding regime or temperature (P > 0.05). The experiments indicate that feeding regimes should be maintained at relatively low levels to obtain optimum K, GCE and SGR, and to avoid over-feeding and food wastage. It was concluded that L. lithognathus could be a suitable candidate for mariculture.     

The effect of light intensity on growth of juvenile dusky kob Argyrosomus japonicus (Temminck & Schlegel 1843)

South African juvenile dusky kob Argyrosomus japonicus are more abundant in turbid estuaries than in clear marine‐dominated estuaries. Turbidity can reduce light penetration into the water and create an environment different from that experienced by fish under culture conditions in mechanically filtered clear water. In order to optimize rearing conditions of this species, the effects of light intensity (23–315 lx) and feeding method (restricted ration vs. feeding to apparent satiation) on growth and food conversion ratio (FCR) of juvenile A. japonicus were assessed in a 56‐day growth trial. Fish weight increased from 7.2±1.6 to 41.9±10.2 g fish^?1 at a growth rate of 3.25% body weight day^?1. Light intensity did not significantly affect growth or FCR. Feeding method did not significantly affect growth rate, but average FCR was significantly better in treatments fed a ration of 3.6% body weight day^?1 than in treatments fed to apparent satiation. Therefore, a light intensity range of 23–315 lx can be used to culture dusky kob juveniles. The better FCR in fish fed a restricted ration suggests that a ration of 3.6% body mass day^?1 allowed good growth of juvenile dusky kob.     

Effect of high water temperature on the survival, moulting and food consumption of Penaeus (Marsupenaeus) japonicus (Bate, 1888)

The kuruma shrimp, Penaeus (Marsupenaeus) japonicus (Bate, 1888), is a valuable aquaculture species in Queensland, Australia. The shrimp is supplied live to the Japanese market and must survive emersed transport for up to 36 h. In-transit mortality after harvest from high water temperatures (> 30 °C) has been reported by the industry, and a knowledge of the effects of high water temperature may provide important information for producers on grow-out management, timing of production and farm location. Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of high water temperature on survival, moulting and food consumption in P. japonicus. Replicated groups of 15.6 ± 0.2 g shrimp were acclimated and exposed to five temperatures, between 28 and 36 °C, for up to 28 days. Mortality was highest at 36 °C and equally lowest between 28 °C and 32 °C. Intermoult period was not significantly different for temperatures between 28 and 32 °C (19.8–15.5 days) but was significantly greater above 32 °C (27.4 days at 34 °C and > 104 days at 36 °C). There was evidence of moulting synchrony at 28 °C. Mean daily food consumption was highest at 32 °C at 2.34% of body weight, but decreased to 1.56% at 28 °C and 1.33% at 36 °C. Over the range of water temperatures examined, survival, moulting rate and food consumption were highest at 32 °C.     

Growth of young cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis (Linnaeus 1758) at the upper end of the biological distribution temperature range

Individual growth rates, feeding rates (%BWd^?1) and food conversions for cuttlefish (S. officinalis) hatchlings and juveniles were determined during this study. A flow‐through system was used. Water temperature reached 30 °C during the hottest part of the day, gradually decreasing to 25 °C during the night; salinity varied between 37 ± 3 ppt and lights were kept on for 14 h day^?1. Hatchlings were placed in separate compartments with a water volume of 1.2 L. Juvenile cuttlefish (from 0.5 to 25 g) were placed in bigger baskets, with a water volume of 5.2 L. Water flow was 120 L h^?1. The biggest cuttlefish used in these experiments (> 25 g) were gathered in groups of five and placed in circular tanks (water volume of 250–300 L). Thus, results obtained in this case are means and not individual data. During the first 10, 20, 30 and 40 days, mean growth rates (of all individuals sampled by age group) decreased consistently (11.8 ± 4.1, 9.8 ± 1.8, 8.1 ± 2.2 and 7.3 ± 0.7%BW^?1 respectively); in similar fashion, mean feeding rates decreased with age group (33.7 ± 13.5, 22.0 ± 7.9, 17.3 ± 3.9 and 16.7%BWd^?1 respectively). Mean food conversions varied between 3.6 and 2.5 between the age groups. When grouping results by weight class, similar patterns occur, as growth and feeding rates decrease consistently as cuttlefish grow bigger. Highest mean growth and feeding rates are obtained by hatchlings (< 0.1 g) with 12.4 ± 4.5 and 35.3 ± 15.1%BWd^?1, respectively, while the lowest growth and feeding rates were recorded for the largest animals, between 15 and 25 g (3.4 ± 1.1 and 10.8 ± 4.1%BWd^?1 respectively). For these weight classes, mean food conversions varied between 2.7 ± 0.9 and 3.8 ± 2.8.     

Food consumption and digestive enzyme activity of Clarias batrachus exposed to various temperatures

The effect of temperature on the food consumption rate and the digestive enzyme activities of Clarias batrachus (80.60 ± 5.34 g) were evaluated. Fish were exposed to six different temperatures of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C following an acclimation temperature of 25 °C. The rate of temperature change was 2 °C day^?1. Highest food consumption was recorded at 25 °C. It gradually reduced with decreasing water temperature. Food consumption rate was significantly (P < 0.05) lower at 10 °C compared with other treatments. Hence, 46.67, 8.20–23.58 and 1.02–6.15% reduced food consumptions were recorded in groups exposed at 10, 15 and 20 °C temperatures, respectively, compared with the 25 °C. The consumption rate was not affected in fish exposed at 30 and 35 °C. Total protease, trypsin and chymotrypsin activities were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in fish exposed at 25 °C compared with others. Lipase activity was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in fish exposed at 30 °C compared with others. Lowest enzyme activities were recorded at 10 °C. Water temperature below 25 °C affected the food consumption and digestive enzyme activities in fish that served as indicators of stress in fish.     

Temperature‐dependent feed requirements in farmed blue mussels (Mytilus edulis L.) estimated from soft tissue growth and oxygen consumption and ammonia‐N excretion

Feed requirements were estimated from specific growth rates in standardized soft tissue dry weight (SGR_DW’) and atomic O:N ratios for mussels fed seven rations of microalgae (5–735 μg C h^?1 ind^?1) at 7 and 14°C respectively. The mean oxygen consumption and ammonia‐N excretion rates were significantly higher at 14°C (0.29 μg O² and 27.3 μg N ind^?1 h¹) compared with those at 7°C (0.16 μg O² and 11.4 μg N ind^?1 h^?1) (P < 0.05), resulting in O:N ratios between 3 and 45 at 7°C and 7 and 28 at 14°C. Low O:N ratios indicate protein catabolism and an unfavourable condition, whereas high ratios indicate that carbohydrate is the primary energy source. The measured SGR_DW’ suggests minimum feed requirements of ~240 and ~570 μg C ind^?1 h^?1 for weight maintenance at 7 and 14°C, with corresponding O:N ratios of 24 and 16, respectively, indicating a more stressed condition at 14°C. A 0.5% SGR_DW’ day^?1 was obtained by ~565 (O:N = 29) and ~680 (O:N = 23) μg C ind^?1 h^?1 at 7 and 14°C respectively. A positive and significantly higher SGR_DW’, with the lowest feed ration at 7°C compared with a negative SGR_DW’ at 14°C (P < 0.05), indicated that storage time can also possibly be prolonged at low temperatures if the mussels are not fed.     

Effects of rearing temperature on growth,metabolism and thermal tolerance of juvenile sea cucumber,Apostichopus japonicus Selenka: critical thermal maximum (CTmax) and hsps gene expression

Effects of different rearing temperatures (16, 21 and 26°C) on growth, metabolic performance and thermal tolerance of juvenile sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (initial body weight 7.72 ± 0.96 g, mean ±SD) were investigated in this study. During the 40‐day experiment, growth, metabolic performance, food intake and energy budget at different reared temperatures were determined. Sea cucumbers rearing at 16°C obtained better growth (final body weight 11.96 ± 0.35 g) than those reared at 21 (10.33 ± 0.41 g) and 26°C (8.31 ± 0.19 g) (P < 0.05), and more energy was allocated for growth at 16°C (162.73 ±11.85 J g^?1 d^?1) than those at 21(79.61 ± 6.76 J g^?1 d^?1) and 26°C (27.07 ± 4.30 J g^?1 d^?1) (P < 0.05). Critical thermal maxima (CTmax) values of juvenile sea cucumbers reared at 16, 21 and 26°C were 33.1, 34.1 and 36.6°C, respectively, and the upregulation of hsps in sea cucumbers reared at 26°C was higher than those acclimated at lower temperatures (16 and 21°C), indicating that temperature acclimation could change the thermal tolerance of the sea cucumber, and CTmax and hsps were sensitive indicators of the sea cucumber's thermal tolerance.     

The effects of feeding frequency on growth of juvenile Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.

Four experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of feeding frequency on growth of juvenile Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus L. Fish (22–75 g) fed three (3 ×) or five times per day (5 × day^?1) under constant light and temperature (13±1°C) consumed significantly more feed than fish fed 1 × day^?1 but by the end of the experiment only fish fed 5 × day^?1 were heavier and had greater specific growth rates (SGR). Under simulated winter conditions (9L:15D, 5±1°C), halibut (～300 g) fed every other day consumed more feed, had a greater SGR and final weight compared with fish fed every third day. Feed conversion ratios were not different among treatment groups in any of the experiments. These results suggest that growth rates may be improved by feeding juvenile halibut more than 1 × day^?1.     

Effects of temperature on food consumption, growth and oxygen consumption of freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man 1879) postlarvae

Effects of temperature on food consumption, growth and oxygen consumption were estimated for the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii postlarvae at 23 °C, 28 °C and 33 °C in the laboratory. The results showed that the animal's initial body weight had a close linear relationship with food consumption and growth. Food consumption increased directly with temperature. Consumption rates (C; mg day^?1 ind^?1 ) of the 28 °C and 33 °C groups were much higher than that of the 23 °C group (P < 0.001), and the 33 °C group's consumption rate was higher than that of the 28 °C group (P < 0.05). The relationship of food consumption with temperature and initial body weight (W; mg) could be described as: C = 0.0679W + 0.185t? 3.17. Growth increased significantly with increased temperature. The relationship among specific growth rate, temperature and initial body weight was as follows: SGR = ?0.110W + 0.213t + 0.176. However, temperature showed no effect on growth efficiency. Oxygen consumption increased significantly with temperature (P < 0.01). The weight‐specific oxygen consumption rates (mg O₂ g^?1 h^?1) at 23 °C, 28 °C and 33 °C were 0.83, 1.16 and 1.49 mg O₂ g^?1 h^?1 for 61.92 mg M. rosenbergii.     

Feed intake, growth and feed conversion efficiency of Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L.)

The individual food intake of each fish in each of four groups of Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L.) (mean weight: 422 g) was monitored by direct observation over a period of 21 days. Gross feed conversion efficiency (= growth·feed intake^?1), net feed conversion efficiency and maintenance ration were estimated by regression analysis. Specific growth rates were found to be linearly related to weight-specific consumption at a temperature of 8–9°C: growth = 1.922· feed intake ? 0.242. Maintenance ration was 0.126% of body weight day^?1. The gross feed conversion efficiency increased asymptotically with increasing feed intakes and growth rates, and was found to approach 1.9 at high growth rates (0.5 on a dry weight basis). One feeding per day seemed to be sufficient for maximum food intake and growth rate.     

The effect of feeding rate on the growth performance of green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris) fry

Four one‐week growth trials were conducted on green sturgeon fry to determine the effect of feeding rate on their growth performance at 18 °C when they were fed a salmonid soft moist feeds containing 445–457 g kg^?1 of crude protein and 201–207 g kg^?1 of lipid. The fry used in Trials I‐IV were 5–8 weeks after their initiation of exogenous feeding. Their average initial body weights were 1.63 ± 0.01, 2.63 ± 0.03, 5.08 ± 0.08 and 7.49 ± 0.05 g, respectively. Six feeding rates used were as follows: 2.5–15.0% body weight per day (% BW day^?1) with a 2.5% increment in Trial I; 1.25–7.50% BW day^?1 with a 1.25% increment in Trial II; and 2.0–7.0% BW day^?1 with a 1.0% increment in Trials III and IV. Four replicates with 50 fry per tank in Trials I‐III and 30 fry per tank in Trial IV were assigned randomly to each feeding rates. The final body weight, specific growth rate, feed efficiency, protein retention, and whole‐body moisture, lipid, and energy contents were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the feeding rates. The optimum feeding rates determined by the broken‐line model were 7.1, 5.7 and 5.3% BW day^?1 for Trials I, II and IV, when the fry were 5, 6 and 8 weeks after their initiation of exogenous feeding, respectively.     

Effect of salinity on growth and energy budget of red and green colour variant sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenca)

Sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus (Selenca), tolerates salinity fluctuations inhabiting intertide zone. This study deals with growth, food intake, food conversion and the bioenergetic responses of the red variant (wet weight of 2.60 ± 0.11g) and green variant (wet weight of 2.56 ± 0.08 g) A. japonicus to different salinities of 22, 26, 30, 34, and 38 psu at 16.5 ± 0.5°C. The results showed that salinity had a significant effect on specific growth rate (SGR) of both green and red variants A. japonicus (P < 0.05). Both colour variants of sea cucumber had highest SGR at 30 psu, and then decreased when salinity below or above this point. Maximum SGR (the green 1.07 ± 0.08% day^?1, the red 1.14 ± 0.09% day^?1 respectively) is related with maximum food intake (FI) and highest food conversion efficiency (FCE) (P < 0.05) occurring at 30 psu. Only under 22 psu, the green variant grew faster than the red variant (P < 0.05), and under other four salinity treatments there was no significant difference between SGR of two colour variant holothruians (P > 0.05). Values of adaptable salinity scope for green and red variants sea cucumber survival are 18.5~39 psu and 20.9~38.6 psu respectively. The average energy budget formula of sea cucumber at 30 psu was: 100C = 6G +42F +3U+49R (C, energy ingested; G, energy for growth; F, energy loss as faeces; U, energy used for ammonia excretion; R, energy loss for respiration). The sea cucumber had maximum energy ingested (C) and highest proportion of energy for growth (G) at 30 psu, and then decreased when salinity is above or below this salinity. Both red and green variants of A. japonicus deposited for growth were very low, and the energy loss in faeces and energy for respiration accounted for the majority of assimilation energy. The result clearly showed that the optimum condition for farming green and red variants A. japonicus, both with respect growth and energy allocation, is the salinity scope of 26 ~ 30 psu.     

Optimum feeding rates in juvenile olive flounder,Paralichthys olivaceus,at the optimum rearing temperature

Two feeding trials were carried out to determine the optimum feeding rates in juvenile olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, at the optimum rearing temperature. Fish averaging 5.0 ± 0.11 g (mean ± SD) in experiment 1 and 20.2 ± 0.54 g (mean ± SD) in experiment 2 were fed a commercial diet at the feeding rates of 0%, 3.0%, 4.0%, 4.25%, 4.5% and 4.75% body weight (BW) day^?1 and satiation (5.52% BW day^?1) in experiment 1 and 0%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0% and 3.5% BW day^?1 and satiation (4.12% BW day^?1) in experiment 2 at 20 ± 1 °C. Both feeding trials lasted for 2 weeks. Results from experiment 1 indicated that weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) of fish fed to satiation were significantly higher than those of fish fed at other feeding rates while feed efficiency (FE) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of fish fed at 4.25% BW day^?1 were significantly higher than those of fish fed to satiation and fish fed at 3.0% BW day^?1 (P < 0.05). In experiment 2 WG, SGR and PER leveled out after the feeding rate of 3.5% BW day^?1 whereas FE reached a plateau at 3.0% BW day^?1. anova of FE indicated that the optimum feeding rates in 5.0 and 20 g juvenile olive flounder could be 4.25% and 3.0% BW day^?1, respectively. Broken line analysis of WG suggested the optimum feeding rates of 5.17% and 3.47% BW day^?1 in 5.0 and 20 g fish, respectively. Therefore, these results indicated that the optimum feeding rates could be >4.25 but <5.17% BW day^?1 for 5.0 g, and it could be >3.0 but <3.47% BW day^?1 for 20 g size of juvenile olive flounder at the optimum rearing temperature.     

Aspects of the growth of cultured cuttlefish Sepia officinalis (Linnaeus 1758)

Feeding rates, growth rates and feed efficiency ratios were studied in experimentally reared juvenile cuttlefish Sepia officinalis which had been hatched from eggs collected from three different locations, Plymouth, North Wales and Southampton. Groups of newly hatched cuttlefish were either maintained at 19°C and well fed (experiment 1) or were maintained at ambient seawater temperature (7–16°C) with little food for 6 months so that their development was delayed and then transferred to optimum conditions (experiment 2). In the first investigation (expt 1), no significant differences in growth rates (3.72±0.08%, 3.75±0.04% and 3.55±0.04% body weight (BW) day^?1 respectively), feeding rates (9.53±0.36%, 9.28±0.36% and 8.95±0.37% BW day^?1 respectively) and feed efficiency ratios (38.11±1.67%, 40.52±1.78% and 39.96±1.78% respectively) were observed between cuttlefish from the 3 locations. During the second investigation (expt 2), cuttlefish, whose development was initially delayed after hatching and then were stimulated to grow under optimum conditions (19°C and fed), showed growth rates (3.46±0.08% BW day^?1) similar to those held under optimum conditions of seawater temperature (19°C) and food supply shortly after hatching. Feeding rates and feed efficiency ratios were however significantly higher in cuttlefish maintained at 19°C compared to 11°C (8.27±0.14% BW day^?1, 41.25±0.52% and 2.75±0.09% BW day^?1, 24.87±1.87% respectively).     

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.     

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.     

Effects of feeding rate and frequency on growth performance,digestion and nutrients balances of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)

A 10‐week study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding rate and frequency on growth performance, digestion and nutrients balances of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in replicated recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Replicated groups of juvenile salmon weighing 90 ± 2.5 g (mean ± SD) were fed a commercial feed (21.63 MJ kg^?1 gross energy) to designed feeding rate (1.4%, 1.6% and 1.8% body weight day^?1, BW day^?1) and feeding frequency (2 and 4 meals day^?1) combinations. Specific growth ratio varied between 1.15 ± 0.02 and 1.37 ± 0.16% day^?1, and feed conversion ratio ranged from 0.96 ± 0.03 to 1.16 ± 0.02. The nitrogen and phosphorus retention rates were from 36.50 ± 1.94 to 47.08 ± 5.23% and from 20.42 ± 1.05 to 38.59 ± 2.80%. Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) in dry matter, protein, lipid and energy showed no significant differences for all groups. However, fish fed at 1.6% BW day^?1 and 4 meal day^?1 groups had relatively better growth and nutrient retention efficiency compared to other groups. In addition, concentrations of nitrogenous and phosphorous compounds were also detected in this study. These results suggested that salmon of 100–200 g in RAS could in practice be fed at 1.6% BW day^?1 and 4 meals day^?1, taking environmental impacts into account.     

A high-performance temperature-control scheme: growth of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus with different modes of diel temperature fluctuation

The effects of four modes of diel temperature-fluctuation with two designated fluctuating temperatures (15 ± 3°C and 18 ± 3°C) on the growth and energy budget of young sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus Selenka, were studied to develop a highly efficient temperature-control scheme for aquaculture of the species. Sea cucumbers with a mean wet body weight of 8.0 ± 1.2 g (mean ± SD) were allocated to each treatment randomly with five replicates. After a 38-day trial, specific growth rate (SGR) and food conversion efficiency (FCE) decreased with increasing temperature in constant-temperature treatments. Among the four modes of temperature fluctuation, SGR of sea cucumbers reared under a mode which simulated the natural fluctuation of the temperature (mode C) of seawater was significantly higher than that of sea cucumbers reared at the corresponding constant temperatures. This enhancement of growth rate by use of mode C was attributed to higher FCE and lower energy allocated to respiration and feces. In large-scale culture, a temperature-control mode designed based on mode C could enhance not only growth but also efficiency of food utilization by the young sea cucumber.     

Effects of temperature on feed intake,growth and oxygen consumption in adult male king crab Paralithodes camtschaticus held in captivity and fed manufactured diets

The current study investigates whether it is possible to increase the meat content of captive male king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) (average = 2.2 kg) by feeding manufactured diets at different temperatures (4°C, 8°C and 12°C). A 110 days trial was undertaken with groups of male king crabs held in 12 land‐based holding tanks. All crabs survival in the lowest temperature treatment, one animal died in the medium‐temperature group (8°C) and four animals in the highest temperature treatment (12°C). The results showed that feed intake increased with increasing temperature from an average of 1.0 g kg^?1 day^?1 at 4°C to 2.8 g kg^?1 day^?1 crab at 12°C. The percentage meat content was significantly higher at the final census (60.0%) compared with the initial census (37.5%) in all temperature groups, but there were no significant differences in the percentage meat content of the king crabs held in the different temperature treatments at the conclusion of the experiment. Oxygen consumption was also significantly affected by temperature and increased with increasing temperature. The results of the experiment show that the optimal temperature to maintain, and enhance, the meat content of king crab is close to 4°C.     

High feeding and growth rates in common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) fed formulated feeds with an improved amino acid profile and mixture of binders

Four semi‐moist formulated feeds were supplied to Octopus vulgaris subadults (664 ± 70 g; 18.4 ± 0.7°C) in two different experiments. In the experiment #1, two diets were prepared with a new mixture of binders (gelatine 150 g kg^?1, starch 100 g kg^?1 and gum 50 g kg^?1). The GEL15‐Squid and GEL15‐Hake feeds included 100 g kg^?1 freeze‐dried squid (Todarodes sagittatus) or hake (Merluccius sp.) respectively. Both feeds showed low water disintegration rates at 24 h (13.6–15.0% dry weight). The specific feeding rate was higher in animals fed GEL15‐Hake (2.7%BW day^?1), but the growth and feed efficiency were significantly better in animals fed GEL15‐Squid (1.4%BW day^?1 and 61.2% respectively; P < 0.05). The proximate composition of the digestive gland, carcass and whole animals was similar. In the experiment #2, the GEL15‐Squid amino acid profile was improved by replacing 50 g kg^?1 gelatine by 50 g kg^?1 freeze‐dried squid (GEL10‐Squid) or freeze‐dried fish (GEL10‐Fish). These feeds showed higher water disintegration rates (31.7–36.3% dry weight). The feeding rates (2.2–2.3%BW day^?1), growth (1.5%BW day^?1) and feed efficiency were similar for both diets. Total lipids were higher in the digestive gland and whole animals fed GEL10‐Fish diet (P < 0.05). Future effort could be directed towards alternative binders that allow improve amino acid balance with a minimum gelatine content or even supplementation trials including essential amino acids.