Performance of common snook subjected to different feeding frequencies and rates using automatic feeders

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the growth performance of common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) subjected to different feeding rates and frequencies using automatic feeders. Two experiments of 60 days each were carried out. In the first one, 20 fishes per tank were distributed in three feeding rates of: 5, 10, and 15% body weight per day. In the second experiment, 20 fishes per tank were distributed in nine tanks, in three feeding frequency: once a day, three times a day, and six times a day. Water parameters were maintained at the recommended level for the species. Final weight, body weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion rate did not differ significantly between the 10 and 15% feeding rates. However, both rates differed from the 5% one. The feeding frequency of six times a day resulted in better values for final weight, final biomass, body weight gain, and specific growth rate. Therefore, common snook fingerlings should be fed at the feeding rate of 10% body weight per day, six times a day, in order to achieve the best growth performance.