EXPLORATION OF GROWTH AND SOME HEALTH STATUS INDICES OF Trichopodus trichopterus FED AT VARIED FEEDING REGIME

Abstract

The health status of fish in captivity has been shown to be an important indicator to the
wellbeing and life span of fishes, especially in the ornamental fish industry. Feed, feeding
technique and water quality plays a pivotal role in optimizing the overall well-being of
the fish. This study assessed the effect of the feeding regime on health status indicators
in Trichopodus Trichopterus. Juveniles (3.6±0.2g) were stocked at 5 fish per tank in 12
aquarium tanks. They were fed to satiation at different feeding regime (twice daily) (T1),
once daily (T2), once in two days (T3), or once in three days (T4) for 12 weeks. At the
end of the study, body weight, survival, cortisol, glucose and antioxidant activities were
measured following standard procedures. The result showed that T2 had the highest feed
intake (0.78±2.18 g and 0.72±2.01g) in the second and third months, respectively. The
highest final weight of 10.7±0.1g was recorded in T1 while survival was best in T2(93.3%)
at 12 weeks. Glutathione activity was highest in T4 (27.12±1.18u/mg) while the least is in
T2. Cortisol has the highest activity in T4 (4.7±.03) while the least was in T1 (4.02±0.12).
Malondialdehyde showed a high activity level in T4 but was not statistically significant. It
shows that an improper feeding regime exacts some level of stress on the fish which may
lead to the loss of this precious pet over time hence pet fish keepers should put measures
in place that ensures the fish feeds at least once daily