Effects of water velocity on somatic growth and biochemical composition of seabass (Lates calcarifer) fingerling

Abstract

This research investigated the effects of water velocity on somatic growth and chemical composition of seabass (Lates calcarifer) fingerlings. Three different water velocities (7, 14 and 21 cm/s) were applied in a 3-week experiment against the control (0 cm/s). Results showed that survival rate was highest in the 7 cm/s and 14 cm/s treatments, while it was lowest in the control. In addition, food conversion ratio was significantly lower in the 7 cm/s treatment and highest in the control (P<0,05). In the presense of water current fish tended to develop dorsal muscle, thus increasing the ratio between body height and body length. The 21 cm/s treatment appeared not appropriate as fish had lower protein contain, probably due to excessive cost of energy for swimming. Key words: Lates calcarifer, seabass, water velocity, somatic growth, chemical composition, FCR