Feeding frequency influences the growth performance of yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus arabicus) in cage culture

This study examined the growth response of yellowfin seabream, Acanthopagrus arabicus, reared in floating net cage fed at variable daily feeding frequencies. Thirty healthy fish (49.7±0.3 g initial weight) were stocked in each of the 12 net cages (1.5×1.5×1.5m). Three cages in each group were assigned to four different feeding frequency i.e., two, three, four and six times/day designated as FF1, FF2, FF3 and FF4, respectively. Semi-purified diet (42% protein) was used to feed at seven percent body weight (%BW) day-1 for a total period of forty five days. The fish length and weight were measured fortnightly and the feeding rate was adjusted according to the new weight. At the end of the trial all fish remained healthy and active with survivals recorded 95-100%. The final weight, average daily weight gain (ADG) and specific growth rate (SGR) values were significantly higher for fish in groups FF3 and FF4 compared to FF1 and FF2. The SGR was the highest in groups FF3 (1.30±0.02) and FF4 (1.3±0.04) significantly different from FF1 (1.09±0.01) and FF2 (0.99±0.02) groups. Whole body proximate composition (protein, ash, moisture and lipid) remained similar in all the treatment groups. It may be concluded that yellowfin seabream, A. arabicus, may be grown in floating cages effectively by feeding four times day-1 to achieve significantly better growth.