Avaliação do efeito da densidade de estocagem e do horário de arraçoamento sobre o desempenho de juvenis de Laetacara dorsigera

Abstract

In Brazil, aquaculture has risen to prominence on the economic scene, driven by the increase in knowledge and productivity of aquatic species. Within this context, fish farming stands out as a segment of aquaculture focused on raising fish, whether for consumption or for ornamental fish farming, such as aquarism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of juvenile Laetacara dorsigera fed a ration composed of acerola waste at different feeding times. Parameters such as feed conversion, physico- chemical characteristics of water quality, stocking density and feeding times were considered. The experimental design used was a 2x2 factorial, with two densities (0,5 and 1,0 fish/L) and two feeding times (8am and 6pm), totaling 16 experimental units and 120 juveniles. Statistical analyses were carried out using the R software and ANOVA was applied to data that showed normality and homoscedascity, and the Tukey test was used to compare the resulting means. The water quality parameters did not affect the animals' performance. The results for growth and weight gain, although they showed no significant difference, were slightly higher in fish conditioned at a density of 0,5 fish/L and fed at 6pm. Thus, it was concluded that stocking density in the culture of Laetacara dorsigera showed a positive correlation with feeding time and feed efficiency, without compromising the survival of the specimens.