GROWTH OF Geophagus brasiliensis REARED AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES AND FEEDING REGIMES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth performance of Geophagus brasiliensis reared under distinct temperatures (24.3 +/- 0.9, 28.1 +/- 1.0, and 31.7 +/- 0.8 degrees C) and feeding regimes (apparent satiety and a supply of 4% of the total biomass). About 500 wild-caught individuals were sorted and identified, to screen 180 fish to be used in the experiment (6.81 +/- 1.15 g and 7.51 +/- 0.47 cm). After a 55-day acclimatization period, the fish were distributed in experimental tanks, considering a double factorial randomized blocks scheme, composed of six treatments and three replicates. Growth performance parameters, somatic indexes and carcass yield were evaluated at the end of the experimental period (72 days). Fish fed to the point of apparent satiety presented higher (p < 0.05) final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate and hepatosomatic index. The animals reared at a temperature of 24.3 degrees C displayed higher (p < 0.05) final weight, weight gain, specific growth, hepatosomatic index, lower visceral fat, and feed conversion index. It was concluded that G. brasiliensis presents higher productive indexes when fed until apparent satiety and reared in temperatures close to 24.3 degrees C.