Effect of Spirulina Fortified Diets on Growth and Survival of Chocolate Mahseer (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis)

Chocolate mahseer, considered as a new candidate species for hill aquaculture, was selected in the present study to assess the efficacy of Spirulina (S. platensis) fortified diets on its growth and survival. Five isoproteic diets (with 35% protein) with different percentages of Spirulina (0, 3, 5, 7 and 10%) were formulated. Fish were fed @ 5% of their body weight in two split doses for 90 days. Highest weight gain (302 and 313%) and lowest food conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded in case of 5% and 10% Spirulina fortified diets (1.48 and 1.43) while, lowest weight gain (182%) and highest FCR (2.46) were recorded for the control diet. The specific growth rate (SGR) was recorded highest (8.46%) for 10% Spirulina fortified diet and lowest (5.77%) for the control diet. Comparing the cost of the formulated diets, it is revealed that 5% Spirulina fortified diet resulted in better growth performance, effective utilization of feed and maximum survival percentages in chocolate mahseer.