EFFECTS OF FEEDING FREQUENCY ON GROWTH, SURVIVAL, AND FEED UTILIZATION OF ORANGE CLOWNFISH (Amphiprion percula Lacepède, 1802)

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding frequency on growth, survival and feed utilization of orange clownfish. Five feeding frequencies were tested including 2 times, 4 times, 6 times, 8 times and 10 times/day. Orange clownfish fingerlings (0.86 g, 3.45 cm) were reared at a density of 15 fish/tank (65 liters/tank). All treatments were performed with three replicates over a period of 8 weeks. Results showed that feeding frequency significantly affected the growth parameters of fish. Fish fed 6 times/day achieved the highest growth in total length and body weight, followed by 8 and 10 times/day, and the lowest growth was found in the treatment of 2 and 4 times/day (P < 0.05). However, the feeding frequency did not affect the coefficient variance (CV_L, _W), condition factor (CF), and survival rate (SR) among the treatments (P > 0.05). Feed utilization (FCR, FER and PER) was also optimally achieved at the feeding frequency of 6 times/day (P < 0.05). From this study, it can be seen that orange clownfish fingerlings should be fed 6 times/day to attain optimal growth and feed efficiency.