Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Megalops atlanticus reared in circular plastic tanks

Abstract

Length-weight relationship (LWR) and condition factor of Megalops atlanticus fed three formulated diets of varying percentage crude protein from 35% CP (T1), 40% CP (T2) to 45% CP (T3) and a control feed (Coppens®) were reared in partial flow-through circular plastic tanks.LWR was estimated using the equation W = aL^b and the condition factor (K) was determined using the equation K = 100.W/L³. The b value of T1, T2, T3 and control were 2.9595, 2.5286, 3.6310 and 1.8767 respectively. The average K value for T1, T2, T3 and control were 0.43, 0.49, 0.59 and 0.39 respectively. The determination of ‘b’ and ‘k’ of Megalops atlanticus was very important since it is a useful tool in assessing the wellbeing, growth performance and feed utilization in cultured fish.