Occasional Feeding with Mussel Meat Boosts Productive and Reproductive Performance in Ompokbimaculatus

This study investigated the effects of occasional mussel meat (Lamellidensmarginalis) supplementation on the growth and reproductive performance of Ompokbimaculatus, a fish species with high market demand and price in India. Fish with an initial weight of 20.1g were reared in 500-liter FRP tanks for three months. The experimental group received mussel meat supplementation 2-3 times per week in addition to standard feed, while the control group received only standard feed. Results showed significant improvements in growth parameters and reproductive performance in the supplemented group. The experimental group exhibited a 38.3% higher weight gain (38.3 ± 2.5g vs. 27.7 ± 2.1g) and a 23.5% higher specific growth rate (1.42 ± 0.07%/day vs. 1.15 ± 0.08%/day) compared to the control. Feed conversion ratio improved from 1.85 ± 0.12 to 1.53 ± 0.09. Reproductive parameters also showed enhancement, with the gonadosomatic index increasing by 27.6% (15.7 ± 1.3% vs. 12.3 ± 1.1%) and fecundity improving from 4182 ± 312 to 4876 ± 287 eggs per female. Egg diameter increased from 1.12 ± 0.08mm to 1.28 ± 0.07mm. This study suggests that occasional mussel meat supplementation could be an effective strategy to enhance the aquaculture production of O. bimaculatus.