Feeding selectivity and growth of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) fed on temperate-zone aquatic macrophytes

Abstract

Feeding selectivity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) juveniles (9.3-20.9 g) to four aquatic macrophyte species and tilapia growth were studied in 4 consecutive experiments. Plant diet was provided to 8 tanks containing 20 fishes for 5 days. The fish were fed a carp diet between 4 experiments for 14 days. The consumption of 4 aquatic macrophyte species differed significantly [F(3,252) = 39.6; P < 10 -6 ]. Elodea canadensis was the most preferred plant (Chesson selectivity index = 0.50 ± 0.05, n = 4). Potamogeton pectinatus and Spirodela polyrhiza were consumed with about equal preference. Myriophyllum spicatum was the least preferred species. Elodea canadensis contained relatively more phosphorus, potassium and ash than the other three species. The daily plant dry weight intake ranged between 0.79 and 2.26% of body weight. The fish grew during the first two experiments (SGR = 2.54 and 3.18%/d, respectively), but lost weight during the 3rd and 4th experiments (SGR = -1.75 and -1.71%/d, respectively).

The feeding ecology of grass carp: A review

“…Previous studies have also discovered the positive correlation between food intake and food calcium in herbivory-dominated fish including grass carp, Indian major carp and Nile tilapia. 128,136,137 This is in contrast to a study of carnivorous fish chinook salmon, 138 as well as the Japanese seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus), 168 suggesting that the regulatory mechanism of ingestion between different fish groups of feeding habit (herbivore, omnivore and carnivore) may be different and it is likely to be similar in herbivory-dominated fish. In this case, T1R3 may possess certain synergistic effect with T1R2s to drive the large requirement and consumption for aquatic plants in herbivory-dominated fish.…”

“…Of note, the existence of T1R3 gene was found in grass carp and other fish, indicating the possible calcium‐ion regulatory function of this taste receptor and functional potential in driving the feeding preference to calcium for grass carp. Previous studies have also discovered the positive correlation between food intake and food calcium in herbivory‐dominated fish including grass carp, Indian major carp and Nile tilapia 128,136,137 . This is in contrast to a study of carnivorous fish chinook salmon, 138 as well as the Japanese seabass ( Lateolabrax japonicus ), 168 suggesting that the regulatory mechanism of ingestion between different fish groups of feeding habit (herbivore, omnivore and carnivore) may be different and it is likely to be similar in herbivory‐dominated fish.…”

“…The gene numbers of partial fish species were collected from previous studies 132–135 . The main discoveries between food intake and calcium content were also listed from relevant studies 128,136–138 …”

“…128,[136][137][138] T A B L E 3 Rotifera (Lecane luna, Monostyla bulla, Lepadella ehrenbergii, Polyarthra sp., and Synchaeta sp. )Note: 'Na' means no relevant data available yet.…”

Effect of Blend Oils from Waste Paring Coconut and Candlenut and Selenium for Formulating of Feed-in Nile Tilapia and Production Parameters

“…R6 (control) contain linoleic acid (0.68%) and Se 0.15 ppm (Table 3). According to [19][20][21], the fat content of 5% feed can meet the minimum requirement of fat for the growth phase, requiring linoleate 0,5-1% for Nile tilapia and Tilapia zilli.…”