Growth performance and survival of guppies (Poecilia reticulata) associated with dried Wolffia spp. supplementation in mixed-diet formulations

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Published: Apr 20, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.65764/tjas.2025.266958
Keywords:
Wolffia spp. Poecilia reticulata Growth performance Feed efficiency Alternative protein

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Thanchanok Moonthasri
Animal Health Science Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Sitthichon Rattanachan
Animal Health Science Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Siddhiwasan Dolvongchantong
Animal Health Science Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Supaporn Udomsup
Animal Health Science Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Kanana Ardsoongnearn
Animal Health Science Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Darsaniya Punyadarsaniya
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mahanakorn University of Technology, Bangkok 10530, Thailand

Abstract

Background and Objective: Feed costs represent a major constraint in aquaculture, making alternative protein sources such as Wolffia spp. of increasing interest. Although Wolffia spp. contains 20–48% protein, its practical inclusion for guppies remains unclear. This preliminary study examined growth and survival in guppies fed 0–60% dried Wolffia spp. (base feed weight basis) under a non-isoproteinous, mixed-diet formulation.
Methodology: A 6-week feeding trial was conducted with 135 female guppies (0.48 g initial mean weight) fed diets containing 0, 15, 30, 45, or 60% dried Wolffia spp. powder mixed with commercial feed. Growth, feed efficiency, condition factor, and survival were evaluated and analyzed using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test (P < 0.05).
Main Results: Dried Wolffia spp. contained 22.16% protein, 3.78% fat, 49.20% carbohydrate, and 319.46 kcal/100 g (AOAC analysis). Significant differences in growth performance were observed beginning at week 5 (P < 0.05). The highest growth trends were observed in the 45% inclusion group, with an average daily gain of 0.00429 g/day, specific growth rate of 0.74 ± 0.06%/day. Survival remained high across all treatments (88–100%). Median apparent feed conversion ratio remained comparable across treatments (P = 0.217), while apparent protein efficiency ratio (P = 0.006) and condition factor (P = 0.022) differed significantly among treatments. The 60% group demonstrated growth patterns comparable to the 45% group (P = 0.508) with a similar survival rate.
Conclusions: This study indicates that 45% dried Wolffia spp. inclusion (base feed weight basis; 31.03% of total diet) was associated with improved growth trends in guppies. However, as the design could not isolate the effect of Wolffia spp. per se from changes in overall diet composition, these exploratory results likely reflect increased dietary protein. Further isonitrogenous trials are required to support practical dietary recommendations.

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 58 No. 4 (2025): October-December
Section
Research Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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