FEEDING FREQUENCY ON THE GROWTH AND BEHAVIOR OF TAKIFUGU RUBRIPES

This study was to investigate the effects of different feeding frequencies on the growth performance and behavioral responses of juvenile Takifugu rubripes. We exposed the juveniles to three distinct feeding frequencies, namely: F3 (3 times/d×20 g/time), F4 (4 times/d×15 g/time), and F5 (5 times/d×12 g/time) over a period of 28d. The initial body length and weight of juveniles were measured at (6.9±0.9) cm and (11.56±1.5) g, respectively. At the end of feeding period, the final body length and weight were assessed, and their growth performance and behavioral responses were analyzed. The study revealed that feeding frequency of 4 times/d (F4) resulted in the best growth performance of the juveniles, as evidenced by their significantly higher final body length, weight, and specific growth rate compared to the other groups (P<0.05). Additionally, the swimming velocity of juveniles in the F4 group was significantly higher than that of the other groups (P<0.05), indicating a positive effect on their performance. The angular velocity of the F4 group was also significantly higher than that of the F3 and F5 groups (P<0.05), further suggesting an improvement in their swimming ability. However, the activity level of the juveniles in the F4 group was significantly lower than that of the F3 and F5 groups (P<0.05), indicating a decrease in overall activity level. This may suggest that the F4 feeding frequency resulted to a redistribution of energy allocation in the juveniles, with more energy being directed towards growth and swimming performance rather than activity. Furthermore, the GLMMs analysis revealed that the velocity of juveniles in the F4 group was significantly affected by the interaction between time and feeding frequency (P<0.05), indicating a time-dependent effect of feeding frequency on the swimming performance of the juveniles. Overall, the study demonstrates that different feeding frequencies have significant effects on the growth performance and behavioral responses of Takifugu rubripes juveniles. The results suggest that the F4 feeding frequency, with a feeding frequency of 4 times/d and a feeding amount of 15 g/time, is the most effective feeding strategy for promoting the growth and swimming performance of juvenile Takifugu rubripes. Moreover, the study highlights the potential of behavioral indicators such as swimming velocity and spacing as useful tools for monitoring the response of Takifugu rubripes juveniles to different feeding frequencies.