Feeding interval and photoperiod influence the growth performance of striped knifejaw,Oplegnathus fasciatus

A two‐factor experiment incorporating two photoperiods (16 L:8 D and 24 L:0 D) and four feeding intervals (6, 9, 12 and 24 h) was carried out to determine the most efficient feeding interval and photoperiod for striped knifejaw, Oplegnathus fasciatus. Fish were fed a commercial diet to apparent satiation for 10 weeks. Blood was collected to measure the stress indicators. Both the photoperiod and the feeding intervals had a significant effect on the growth performance of striped knifejaw; however, their interaction did not produce any significant effect. The final body weight, weight gain (%) and feed intake at 6‐, 9‐ and 12‐h feeding intervals under 16 L:8 D were significantly higher than those at the 24‐h interval irrespective of the photoperiod (P<0.05). The specific growth rate at 6, 9 and 12 h intervals of the 16 L:8 D photoperiod was significantly higher than that of the other feeding intervals, except at 12 h of the 24 L:0 D photoperiod (P<0.05). At the end of the experiment, there were no significant differences in the plasma levels of cortisol, glucose and total protein observed in fish exposed to different photoperiods compared with the initial levels. The results suggested that a combination of a 16 L:8 D photoperiod and either of 6‐, 9‐ or 12‐h intervals can be used to stimulate the growth performance in striped knifejaw.