Effects of Partial Replacement of Fishmeal with Seaweed ( Lobophora variegata ) Meal on the Growth and Biochemical Composition of Commercial Important Fish Asian Seabass Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790) Fingerlings

Seaweeds are large algae (macro algae) that grow in a brackishwater or marine environment. They are a valuable food source and contain significant quantities of proteins, lipids, vitamins and minerals. Algae meals are alternative plant feedstuffs that are increasingly being used in aqua feeds because of their nutritional quality, lower cost and availability. This study is an attempt made on the effects of replacing fish meal with the brown seaweed ( Lobophora variegata ) on the growth and biochemical composition (protein, lipids, carbohydrates) of Asian seabass Lates calcarifer fingerlings. Investigations on the biochemical constituents and nutritive profile of the formulated feeds showed that seaweeds could be the better replacement for fish meal in pelleted feeds. The seaweeds used in our study did not seem to affect the palatability of the diet for this carnivorous fish. Therefore, reducing fishmeal inclusion levels and replacing fishmeal with cost-effective, widely available and sustainable feedstuffs are considered essential for the future development of the aquaculture industry.