Effects of culture conditions on growth and survival of Poecilia sphenops and Poecilia reticulata

Abstract

Poecilia sphenops and P. reticulata are considered as two most popular and high demanding freshwater ornamental fish species globally. The effects of feeding frequency, feed protein level, photoperiod and salinity on growth and survival of these species and the effect of sex ratio on fecundity were studied under laboratory conditions from January to December 2016. Although there was no any significant impact of feeding frequency on growth and survival of these species, feed protein content affected significantly on their growth. Fry fed with newly hatched Artemia, commercial larval feeds and Chlorella sp. showed no significant impact on growth. Poecilia sphenops and P. reticulata could tolerate salinity up to 10 and 25 ppt, respectively. Fish exposed to 8 hrs photoperiod reported significantly lower growth than those who were exposed to 12 and 24 hrs photoperiods. The ideal female: male sex ratio for commercial stocking of P. sphenops and P. reticulata was 3:2.