Evaluation of optimum salinity for rearing of Jitada (Lates calcariter) fingerlings

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine optimum salinity requirement for rearing of Jitada (Lates calcarifer) fingerlings. Jitada fingerlings (average weight of 2.0 ± 0.11 g and average length of 5.95±0.08 cm) were reared in different salinities viz, o, 5, 10, 15, 20,25, 30 and 35 gL-1 for 90 days in plastic pools (200 L capacity each). In each plastic pool, 100 L of required saline water was filled. The fish were subjected to eight treatments with three replicates each were carried out during the experiment. The fingerlings were stocked @ five numbers per plastic pool and fed ad-libitum with Conchostracans (macro-zooplankton). Conchostracans were collected from natural habitat of Jitada fingerlings. Significantly,higher (P <0.05H percentage gain in weight (1.56 %day-1) were obtained for Jitada fingerlings reared in 10 gL1 salinity. However, there was no significant difference (p < 0.05) in growth and survival of Jitada fingerlings reared in 5 and 10 gL-1 salinities. ANOV A did not show significant difference in growth of Jitada finger lings reared in freshwater and salinities above 20 gL· 1. Survival of Jitada fingerlings reared for in different salinities did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) and ranged between 73.3 to 86.7 per cent.