Performance and food behaviour of Brycon orbignyanus larvae submitted under food restriction

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of feed restriction on the performance and feeding behaviour of Brycon orbignyanus. Ten‐day larvae (72.84 ± 8.61 mg) were distributed in 36 aquariums (density of 15 larvae/L) in a completely randomized design consisting of six treatments and six replicates. The treatments were determined according to the number of feed restriction days: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 days (F0, F2, F4, F6, F8 and F10, respectively), totalling 10 days. The results for final weight, weight gain and specific growth rate were significant (p < .05), and F2 and F0 presented the highest values among all experimental groups. The adopted feeding strategies did not influence final survival (p > .05), and no cannibalism behaviour was observed in any of the treatments. F2 and F0 treatments also displayed higher swimming speed (p < .05) among the assessed groups. The time spent searching for and capturing prey was significantly lower in the F0 treatment. Muscular atrophy for the F10 group was observed, and F2 animals presented no significant difference (p > .05) in muscle fibre diameter when compared to F0. Thus, dietary restrictions can be applied as a strategy for B. orbignyanus reared in intensive laboratory systems for 2 days without compromising performance, muscle growth and feeding behaviour.