Growth and yield of the grouper Epinephelus coioides fed 'trash fish' at different rates and frequencies in floating net cages

Abstract

The effects of various feeding rates and frequencies on the growth and survival of orangespotted grouper Epinephelus coides were determined in floating net cages in Tiniguiban Cove, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Juveniles (average weight 60 g) were stocked in 2 m x 2 m x 1.5 m cages at a density of 10/m³. The experiment tested six treatments: 10% of body weight (BW) daily; 5% BW daily; ad libitum daily; 10% BW every other day; 5% BW every other day; and ad libitum every other day. After five months, the fish fed at 10% daily had 100% survival and the highest weight gain (520 g), growth rate (3.5 g/d), net production (31.44 kg), and gross income (P5,463). However, returns were negative in all treatments because of either too high feed consumption and poor conversion or low net production.