Effect of feeding frequency on the growth of the european mudminnow larvae (Umbra krameri Walbaum, 1792) reared in controlled conditions

Abstract

© 2014, National Centre for Agrarian Sciences. All rights reserved. Effects of feeding frequency were examined on European mudminnow larval growth (initial average total body length: 7.5 mm) under controlled rearing conditions. Two treatments were set in 3 replicates: „Group A”: fed with Artemia salina nauplii four times day-1 and “Group B”: fed with Artemia nauplii six times-1 day. At the end of the 21-day-long examination period significant differences (p<0.05) were found in the total length between the two groups. Average final total lengths were the followings in the groups: “A” 15.5 mm, „B” 16.6 mm. Average live weights of the fish in experimental groups reached 34.4±2.4g, and 44.4±1.4g at the end of the trial in groups A and B, respectively. At the end of the trial period larvae were suitable for stocking into natural waters.