Effect of different photoperiods on growth, feed utilization and survival of Heteroclarias hybrid

Abstract

One hundred and twenty fingerlings of Heteroclarias hybrid with initial mean weight of 6.2g were reared in concrete tanks using three different photoperiods to investigate the effect of light on their growth performance and survival. Three photoperiods tagged: Tank A (24L: 00D), Tank B (12L: 12D) and Tank C (00L: 24D) were used in the study. Fish were fed twice daily for a period of six weeks. The result obtained showed significant increases in body weight, relative growth rate (RGR), specific growth rate (SGR) and gross food conversion efficiency (GFCE) among fishes under 24 hours darkness (Tank C). Prolong light hours was observed to stress the fish and caused reduced growth. Survival rate was also observed to be 100% in Tank C. The high growth increase recorded in Tank C was attributed to suppression of swimming activity, aggression and stress in the dark and therefore more energy was converted to body weight. The study recommends the rearing of Heteroclarias fingerlings in conditions of continuous darkness or low light intensity for optimal growth performance, feed utilization and survival.

Key Words: Photoperiods, Growth performance, survival, Heteroclarias hybrid.