Growth and food conversion efficiency in the fish Etroplus suratensis in relation to different feeding levels

Based on the chemical composition of feed and body constituents of Etroplus suratensis , food utilization at maintenance and different production levels was estimated. On theoretical derivations, 175, 450 and 650 kcal/kg 0.8/week represented the maintenance, optimum and maximum levels. Utilization of gross energy at maintenance level was 35.91%, which is lower than values reported for common carp, grass carp and trout. Percent available energy at maintenance level was 48.75 of the gross energy offered to the fish. Utilization of gross protein energy at maintenance level was 33.97%, which was equivalent to the rate of utilization of gross total energy. The optimum feeding level for effective growth under laboratory conditions was 10% live body weight/day.