The effect of rearing temperature on growth and survival of Labeo rajasthanicus spawn

Abstract

To assess the impact of temperature on growth and survival of Labeo rajasthanicus spawn, an experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions using FRP tanks (1m3). Four temperature treatments (22, 26, 30 and 34 0C) were used in triplicate. Total five thousand spawns were stocked in each tank and their growth and survival was monitored for a period of 21 days. The weight gain had positive relationship with temperature treatments. As such the growth gain increased with increasing temperature (22 to 30 0C). However, a reduced growth rate was noticed with further increase (30 to 34 0C) in rearing temperatures. SGR was significantly higher at 30 0C (5.19 ± 0.11) as compared to other treatments except 26 0C. Whereas, lowest SGR (4.04 ± 0.06) was found in lowest (22 0C) temperature treatment. In general the spawn reared at 30 0C and lower temperature performed better than that reared at higher (34 0C) temperature.