Different diets in the first feeding of the yellow mandi (Pimelodus maculates, Lacépéde)

Abstract

One of the greatest problems in larviculture of native species is first feeding and cannibalism in the some species since the first day of life. This experiment aims at evaluating different diets in the first feeding of Pimelodus maculates, popularly known as the yellow mandi. Post-larvae were stocked in a density of 15 post-larvae/L, in 3 L-glass aquariums with artificial aeration. Treatments were composed of wild zooplankton in the proportion of 300 organisms/post-larvae/day (T1); 600 organisms/post-larvae/day (T2); 900 organisms/post-larvae/day (T3); 9 nauplii of Artemia/post-larvae/day (T4) and artificial microdiet between 150 and 250 µm (>50% PB) (T5). At the end of five days the Artemia treatment had the best survival values (39,3%) and the least rate of cannibalism (28,2%). Since it registered the best final weight and length (P < 0,05), the most appropriate handling in the feeding of the Pimelodus maculates was consequently demonstrated