Growth of black molly Poecilia sphenops (Poecilidae: Pisces) Reared in closed recirculating water system

Abstract

The experiment was conducted study the effect of temperature and food composition on growth, food conversion efficiency, food conversion rate and quantity of food intake by larvae of black molly Poecilia sphenops in closed recirculating water system Three types of food were employed. The first (I) was live food, brine shrimp Artemia, the second (II) was experimental artificial diet and the third (III) was commercial diet. The three diets were served under two temperature: (28±1°C and 22±1°C). Results showed that under temperature 28±1°C, the total weight increment and relative growth rate were 2.98-5.87 g and 1865.62- 3671.87 respectively. In the temperature 22±1°C these values were significantly lower (p0.05) at degree 28±1°C.