Growth Performance and Survival Rate of Mahseer (Tor spp.) Cultured under Different Temperature Conditions
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Abstract
Water temperature is a critical environmental factor influencing growth performance, feed utilization, and survival of freshwater fish, particularly ectothermic species such as mahseer (Tor spp.). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different rearing temperatures on the growth performance and survival rate of mahseer cultured under controlled laboratory conditions. Juvenile mahseer with an initial weight of 3–5 g were reared for 60 days under three temperature treatments: 22 ± 1 °C, 26 ± 1 °C, and 30 ± 1 °C, using a completely randomized design with three replicates per treatment. Fish were fed a commercial diet containing 32–35% crude protein at a feeding rate of 3–5% of biomass per day. Growth parameters, feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival rate (SR), and water quality were monitored throughout the experiment. The results showed that water temperature significantly affected growth performance, feed efficiency, and survival of mahseer (p < 0.05). Fish reared at 26 °C exhibited the highest final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and the lowest FCR, indicating optimal feed utilization at this temperature. Lower growth performance was observed at 22 °C, likely due to reduced metabolic activity, while exposure to 30 °C resulted in decreased growth efficiency and survival, suggesting thermal stress. Survival rate remained above 80% across all treatments, with the highest survival recorded at 26 °C. In conclusion, rearing temperature around 26 °C is optimal for juvenile mahseer culture under laboratory conditions. These findings provide practical guidance for temperature management in mahseer aquaculture and support the development of sustainable culture and ex-situ conservation strategies for Tor spp.
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