Dietary protein and energy requirements of juvenile freshwater angelfish

Dietary protein and energy requirements of juvenile freshwater angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) were evaluated. A 3 x 2 factorial design was used, with three dietary crude protein levels being tested (26, 30, and 34% of CP) combined with two digestible energy levels (3,100 and 3,300 kcal DE/kg of diet) in three replicates. Juveniles averaging 2.33 +/- 0.26 g were reared in a 25L-aquarium with controlled temperature (26 +/- 1 degrees C), biological filter and stocking density of six fish/aquarium. Fish were fed ad libitum at 09: 00 a. m., 2: 00 p. m. and 4: 30 p. m. The following performance parameters were evaluated: final weight, final length, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio and condition factor. Fish fed diets with 26% CP showed greater protein efficiency values when compared to those fed diets with 34% CP. Diets with 26% of CP and 3100 kcal DE/kg could meet the nutritional requirements of juvenile freshwater angelfish.