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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #143339
Title: FINGERLING CULTURE OF SUNSHINE BASS MORONE CHRYSOPS X M. SAXATILIS IN TANKS WITH ALGAE PASTE-FED ROTIFERS, ARTEMIA NAUPLII AND MICROENCAPSULATED FEED AT THREE CONCENTRATIONS

Author
item Ludwig, Gerald

Submitted to: Aquaculture Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/7/2003
Publication Date: 11/27/2003
Citation: Ludwig, G.M. 2003. Fingerling culture of sunshine bass Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis in tanks with algae paste-fed rotifers, Artemia naupli and microencapsulated feed at three concentrations. Aquaculture Research. 34:1277-1285.

Interpretive Summary: Sunshine bass fingerling production occurs almost exclusively in ponds. To increase production and to maintain year-round production in temperate climates, indoor tank culture is required. While tank production of fingerlings has been demonstrated, little is known about feeding requirements. Sunshine bass fry were fed sequentially with rotifers Brachionus plicatilis cultured with a Nannochloropis algae paste enriched with highly unsaturated fatty acids, decapulated Artemia nauplii, and a microencapsulated commercial diet. The fry were fed at a given rate and two and three times that rate. The highest feeding rate resulted in the significantly highest survival (52.9%) and total biomass. The lowest feeding rate produced the least fish but they were the heaviest. The intermediate feeding rate produced the shortest fish. Better water quality control, increased water temperature, coupled with even greater feed concentrations should further increase survival and fingerling size.

Technical Abstract: Sunshine bass fingerling production occurs almost exclusively in ponds. To increase production and to maintain year-round production in temperate climates indoor tank culture is required. While tank production of fingerlings has been demonstrated, little is known about feeding requirements. Sunshine bass fry were fed sequentially with rotifers Brachionus plicatilis cultured with a Nannochloropis algae paste enriched with highly unsaturated fatty acids, decapulated Artemia nauplii, and a microencapsulated commercial diet. The fry were fed at a given rate and two and three times that rate. The highest feeding rate resulted in the significantly highest survival (52.9%) and total biomass. The lowest feeding rate produced the least fish but they were the heaviest. The intermediate feeding rate produced the shortest fish. Better water quality control, increased water temperature, coupled with even greater feed concentrations should further increase survival and fingerling size.