Effects of different fresh feeds on growth performance and survival rate of Indian threadfish (Alectis indicus) under controlled conditions

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different types of fresh feed on the growth and survival rate of Indian threadfish (Alectis indicus). Three types of fresh feed, including mackerel, green mussel, and white leg shrimp. The experiment was designed using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) comprising three treatments, each with five replications. The experiment was conducted over a 12-week under controlled conditions. The result was assessed based on weight - length increase, and survival rate. At the end of the experiment, the average weights of fish in each group were 331.11±6.10 g, 293.30±7.58 g, and 289.06±6.66 g, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that fish fed with mackerel had a significantly higher average weight than the other groups (p<0.05). Similarly, the average lengths were 16.78±0.12 cm, 15.81±0.61 cm, and 15.49±0.20 cm, respectively, with the mackerel-fed group showing significantly greater length (p<0.05). Additionally, the survival rate of fish fed with mackerel was the highest, averaging 100.00±0.00 %, and was also significantly different from the other treatments (p<0.05). In conclusion, the type of fresh feed significantly affected the growth and survival of A. indicus, with mackerel producing the best results in terms of both growth rate and survival. These findings provide a useful basis for selecting suitable fresh feed to enhance the quality and productivity of Indian threadfish in aquaculture systems.