Growth curve of selectively bred and non-selectively bred tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth curve of selectively bred and non-selectively bred tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). The experiment involved 388 fi sh (weight: 65.38 ± 20.00 g; age: 217 days), consisting of 252 fi sh from seven selectively bred families (18 fi sh per family) and 18 non-selectively bred fi sh (control group). Groups were placed in two 800-m² tanks. Biometric measurements were taken on nine occasions at 30-day intervals, for a period of 254 days. Weight and morphometric traits were evaluated. To describe the tambaqui growth behavior, we adopted the Gompertz nonlinear regression model. Greater growth (p < 0.05) was observed in selectively bred families compared with control group. Four families stood out with higher (p < 0.05) asymptotic values for weight (F1: 2448.7 g; F7: 2284.7 g; F5 2180.1 g; F4: 2080.5 g; and control: 1808.4 g) and other morphometric traits. None of the selectively bred families (except F5) had a higher growth rate and age at infl ection point than the fi sh from control group. In conclusion, selectively bred and non-selectively bred fi sh present distinct growth curves, but some families have greatly superior growth.

The farming and husbandry ofColossoma macropomum: From Amazonian waters to sustainable production

“…This study also estimated parameters for a new trait of interest for industrial fish processing, loin eye area (LEA), with h 2 = 0.39. These outcomes show significant potential for selective breeding programmes to yield large genetic gains and improved performance 219,220. Attempts to develop genetically superior strains for farming purposes have been implemented221 ; however, the advances in understanding of quantitative genetics have not markedly affected commercial tambaqui production, which still relies on non-selectively bred, captively propagated broodstock.…”