Rearing of Gold Fish (Carassius Auratus) Fry in Different Systems

REARING OF GOLD FISH (CARASSIUS AURATUS) FRY IN DIFFERENT SYSTEMS

A Thesis By

MD. ARIFUL ISLAM Examination Roll No. 10 Fish Aqua. JD-35 M Semester: July-December, 2011 Registration No. 32634 Session: 2005-2006

MASTER OF SCIENCE (M. S.) IN AQUACULTURE

DEPARTMENT OF AQUACULTURE BANGLADESH AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY MYMENSINGH

NOVEMBER, 2011

REARING OF GOLD FISH (CARASSIUS AURATUS) FRY IN DIFFERENT SYSTEMS

A Thesis By

MD. ARIFUL ISLAM Examination Roll No.: 10 Fish Aqua. JD 35 M Registration No.: 32634 Session: 2005 - 2006 Semester: July - December, 2011

Submitted to the Department of Aquaculture Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.) IN AQUACULTURE

NOVEMBER, 2011

REARING OF GOLD FISH (CARASSIUS AURATUS) FRY IN DIFFERENT SYSTEMS

A Thesis By

MD. ARIFUL ISLAM Examination Roll No. 10 Fish Aqua. JD-35 M Semester: July-December, 2011 Registration No. 32634 Session: 2005-2006

Approved as to style and contents by:

______Prof. Dr. S. M. Rahmatullah Mr. Md. Sazzad Hossain Supervisor Co-supervisor

______Professor Dr. Md. Ali Reza Faruk Chairman Examination Committee and Head Department of Aquaculture Bangladesh Agricultural University Mymensingh

NOVEMBER, 2011

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to compare the effect of growth and survival of goldfish larvae (Carassius auratus) in different system (Hapa, Cistern and Pond). Three type of culture system had been used in the experiment. A total of 645 larvae (mean initial weight: 0.0071 mg) were randomly distributed in different system constituting 3 replications in each treatment. The stocking density was same in all the treatments with respect to the water volume of the systems. The water quality of all the systems was good in whole period of the experiment. The trial lasted for 40 days. An artificial feed named “Mega feed” was delivered regularly. At the end of the trial highest survival rates were observed in the cistern and highest growth rates were observed in pond. There were significant differences in total weight gain among the treatments. Considering the high survival rate of goldfish larvae obtained from this study, it can be concluded that growth of goldfish larvae is varying among the systems. From the study it was observed that cistern was found to be the best system for survival and the pond was found to be the best system for the growth rate of the Gold fish.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

All praises are due to Almighty Allah, who kindly enables the author to complete the present research work successfully and to submit the thesis leading to Master of Science (MS) degree in Aquaculture.

The author expresses his heartfelt respect, gratitude and sincere appreciation to his research Supervisor Dr. S. M. Rahmatullah, Professor, Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202 for his scholastic guidance, supervision, constructive criticisms and constant inspiration during the entire period of the study as well as the research work.

Immense indebtedness, heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation are extended to authors Co- supervisor Md. Sazzad Hossain, Associate Professor, Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh for his valuable advice, exclusive suggestions and provisions of facilities and supports needed to complete this research work.

The author wishes to express profound respect to Prof. Dr. Ali Reza Faruk, Head, Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh for his kind help and supports.

The author wishes to express his sincere appreciation and indebtedness to the teachers of the Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh for their constant inspiration, valuable advice, suggestions and constructive criticism during the entire period of this research study. The author is thankful to all the staff of the Aquaculture Department, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh for their co-operation during the study.

The author is also grateful to his sister (Rakhi), brother (Rumal), beloved mother & father, friends (titu, rony, zahid, nancy, sagor, misu, shameem bhai) and other relatives and neighbors for their heartiest blessings, sacrifice and encouragement throughout the entire period of life.

Author

November, 2011

CONTENTS

Sl. CHAPTER PAGE No.

ABSTRACT i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ii CONTENTS iiiii LIST OF TABLES v LIST OF FIGURES vi 1 INTRODUCTION 1 2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE 3 3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 8 3.1 Experimental fry 8 3.2 System dimension 8 3.3 Preparation of the systems 8 3.4 Experimental Protocol 9 3.5 Feed supply 10 3.6 Rearing of fry 10 3.7 Method of Recording Data and Sampling 11 3.7.1 Sampling of fish 14 3.7.2 Growth Parameter 11

3.7.2.1 Weight gain (g) 11 11 3.7.2.2 Percent weight gain 11 3.7.2.3 Specific growth rate (SGR %/day) 3.8 Measurement of physico-chemical parameters 12 3.8.1 Water temperature 12 3.8.2 Ammonium (mg/l) 12 3.8.3 Nitrite 13 3.8.4 Dissolved oxygen (mg/l) 13 3.8.5 pH 13 3.8.6 Alkalinity 13

iii

CONTENTS (Contd.)

Sl. CHAPTER PAGE No.

3.9 FCR 14

3.10 Survival rate 14

3.11 Statistical analysis 14

4 RESULT 15

4.1 Growth performance of fish 15 4.1.1 Weight gain (g) 15 4.1.2 Percent weight gain 16 4.1.2 SGR (%/day) 18 4.2 Physicochemical parameters of the pond water 19 4.2.1 Water temperature (°C) 19

4.2.2 Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 19

4.2.3 pH 19 4.2.4 Alkalinity (mg/L) 20 4.2.5 Nitrite (mg/L) 20 4.2.6 Ammonium (mg/L) 20 4.3 FCR 23 4.4 Survival rate (%) 23

5 DISCUSSION 24

6 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 28

REFERENCES 29

LIST OF TABLES

Sl. TITLE PAGE No.

1 Experimental layout of Gold fish fry rearing 9 2 Proximate composition of powdered form “Mega feed” 10 3 Growth parameters, survival and FCR of Gold fish (Carassius auratus) 17 observed in different treatments during the study period.

4 Average (Mean ± S. D.) values of water quality parameters under 21 different treatments during the study period

LIST OF FIGURES

Sl. TITLE PAGE No.

1 Fourteen days old fry 07 2 Nylon net over the pond 08 3 Cisterns and Hapa were covered by nylon net 09 4 Powderd form artificial feed named “Mega feed” 10 5 Determination of water quality in the system 13 6 Weight gain of fishes at different treatments. 15 7 Percent weight gain of fish in different treatments during study period. 16

8 SGR (%/day) of fishes in different treatments during culture period. 18 9 Gold fish fry at the harvesting time 18

10 Mean value of Temperature in different treatments. 21

11 Mean value of D.O in different treatments. 21 12 Mean value of pH in different treatments. 22

13 Mean value of Alkalinity in different treatments 22

14 Mean FCR value of fishes in different treatments 23

15 Survival rate of fishes in different treatments during culture period. 23

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Fish keeping in captivity is an age-old practice. The Chinese used a variety of containers for the purpose such as dishes, bowls and small tanks that permitted viewing from the top. First public aquaria were established in London and Paris in the 19th century. In India first public Aquaria "Taraporewala" was established in the mid of 20th century. Now the aquaria has entered in houses, schools, tourist places and laboratories, offices, markets, colonies for amusement, education serving as advertisement for fresh food fishes and aquatic animals/plants.

In Bangladesh ornamental fish were introduced since 1980s at kataban, Dhaka. The elite people keep the aquarium in their house. Besides the elite people, middle class families are also keeping the aquarium in their houses. Commonly used aquarium fishes are gold fish, guppy, molly, platy, sword tail, koi carp, gourami, zebra fish, honey gourami, rosy barb, glass fish, etc. Most of the ornamental fish are imported from Thailand and Singapore. The Dhaka Kataban market is the biggest aquarium fish market in Bangladesh, is providing almost all kind of aquarium fish.

In the aquarium many different kinds of ornamental fishes are used, among them gold fish are the most popular fish. Goldfish was one of the first fish species to be kept in ponds by humans. It is very beautiful and very colorful fish. The goldfish (Carassius auratus) is a freshwater belonging to the family Cyprinidae of order Cypriniformes.

Scientific classification of gold fish

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Cypriniformes

Family: Cyprinidae

Genus: Carassius

Species: Carassius auratus

Subspecies: Carassius auratus auratus

Trinomial name: Carassius auratus autatus

Goldfish are popular pond fish, inexpensive, colorful, and very hardy. There are many different species of gold fish such as common goldfish, London and Bristol shubunkins, jikin, wakin, comet, black moor, veiltail, oranda, lionhead etc. There are very few established hatcheries in Bangladesh where breeding of gold fish is performed. Breeding is mainly carried out in small scale. There is no available scientific information on the rearing of goldfish fry in Bangladesh. Mainly adult fish are preferred for keeping in aquarium for aesthetic purposes. The rearing of fry to adult stage may be critical both from biological and economic point of view.

Fry may be reared in a wide variety of systems ranging from jars to ponds. The point to be considered is which system is more suitable. If fry are reared in jars or aquarium it may be expensive beacause cost will be incurred in the development of such system. Moreover they will have to be used with utmost care otherwise they will not last for long. Systems which are mainly used for the rearing of food

fish fry may be used for fry rearing of gold fish. Most commonly used systems for fry rearing are ponds, hapas, and cisterns. Growth and survivability of fry vary among the systems. This is mainly due to differences in water quality parameters and availability of natural food. These systems may be used for the rearing of gold fish fry. If maintained properly these systems may be suitable for gold fish fry rearing.

Since the ancient time people are interested to keep the gold fish in jar, bowls, aquarium for the aesthetic purpose. Now keeping of ornamental fish mainly gold fish is very much popular in many countries. For the better growth and survival of gold fish culture system play important role. Growth of natural food in water vary among tank, hapa, pond and the better growth of gold fish largely depend on the natural food production, water quality parameters which largely vary among different system like pond and cistern. In the aquarium the water quality parameters are very low, thus the growth of gold fish must be lower than the pond. From this aspect the, present experiment has been designed primarily to understand some practical information on suitable culture system to achieve the following objectives:

Objective of the study:

To study the growth and survival performances of gold fish at different system To find out the suitable system for rearing the fry of gold fish To observe the water quality parameters under different system

CHAPTER 2

RWVIEW OF LITERATURE

Gold fish is very important aquarium fish in Bangladesh. Considerable works have been done on their biology and different aspects of culture. But very little reports on the fry rearing of Gold fish are available in Bangladesh. So, various information in respect of feeding, growth, survivability and production of gold fish as well as some related fish are reviewed below.

Azim et al. (1995) recorded mean values of temperature 26 ºC, transparency 36.2 cm, pH 7.1, total hardness 50.5 mg/l, total ammonia 0.1 mg/l, nitrate 0.5 mg/l and phosphate 0.8mg/l from a set of ponds and this data is very significant for the production of young fish fry.

Kohinoor et al. (1998) measured the water quality parameter in six research ponds of Faculty of Fisheries at the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh and obtained the mean values of water quality parameters such as water temperature (ºC), transparency (cm), pH, dissolved oxygen (mg/L), total hardness (mg/L), nitrate-nitrogen (mg/L) and ammonia-nitrogen (mg/L) to be 27.72 ± 0.01, 32.50±2.40, 7.18±0.06, 4.20±0.12, 104.81±8.12, 0.292±0.03, 1.23±0.10, and 0.14±0.02, respectively.

Cheikyula et al. (2003) conducted an experiment on Growth responses and survival of the goldfish, Carassius auratus (Cyprinidae) fry reared on Moina (Cladocera) and Cyclops (Copepoda). Five sets of 20-day-old goldfish (Carassius auratus) fry, with average weight of 0.167+or-0.003 g were reared for 8 weeks in plastic bowls for growth and survival studies. One set (labeled MN) was fed Moina and Cyclops. A second set (labeled FM) was fed with fish meal and a third set (labeled AF) was fed with a 45% protein containing artificial feed. The fourth

and fifth sets were fed with a mixtures of Moina/Cyclops with fish meal (MFM) and the artificial feed (MAF).They found that Moina/Cyclops are recommended to aqua culturists for goldfish fry rearing instead of artificial feeds, fish meal or the expensive Artemia franciscana. It is also recommended that this zooplankton may be augmented in later stages with fish meal to enhance fry growth and survival.

Zhou et al. (2003) observed the effect of feeding frequency on growth, feed utilization, and size variation of juvenile gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio). They found the significant increases in growth rate and feed efficiency when feeding frequency increased from 2 to 3, 4, 12, and 24 feedings/d. with the authors recommending an optimal feeding frequency of 24 meals/d for this species.

Swain and Sahoo (2003) conducted an experiment on the effect of inclusion of 3, 3, 5-triiodo-L-thyronine at 0, 1.25 and 6.25 ppm in the diet of goldfish (Carassius auratus) fry. In his experiment he observed the significant (p<0.05) increase in specific growth rate, per cent body weight gain, food conversion efficiency and protein efficiency ratio of gold fish.

James and Sampath (2003) observed the effect of meal frequency on growth and reproduction in the ornamental red swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri) Research indicated that feeding 2 meals/d resulted in the greatest growth and reproductive success of this species in a cultured system, when compared with 3 alternative feeding regimens (1 meal in 3 d, 1 meal in 2 d, 1 meal/d, and 2 meals/d).

Further investigations by the same researchers using the Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens. Regan) showed that 2 meals/d fed to satiation elicited maximum growth and reproductive output for this ornamental fish species when compared with 1 meal in 3 d, 1 meal in 2 d and 1 meal/d.

Priestley et al. (2005) conducted an experiment on the influence of feeding frequency on growth and body condition of the common goldfish (Carassius auratus). In his experiment he observed that the feeding frequency influenced the growth rate of Common Goldfish (Carassius auratus). A feeding frequency of 4 times/d resulted in the most efficient food utilization when compared with 1, 3, and 6 feedings/d under the conditions of this study.

Vasagam et al. (2007) observed the dietary effect on fry production and growth performance of sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna), in salt water and he stated that the mixed diet performed well in both breeding and rearing experiments. Hence in commercial breeding units, mixed feeding regime could be adopted with mollies in salt water.

Rema and Martins (2009) observed the effect of growth and survival of Carassius auratus larvae fed commercial micro diets. In his experiment 21-day growth trial was performed to evaluate two ornamental fish larvae commercial diets and the effect of mineral and vitamin supplementation of the same commercial microdiets on growth and survival of goldfish larvae (Carassius auratus) and he found the highest survival and growth rates of goldfish larvae with the reference diet.

CHAPTER 3

MATERIALS AND METHODS CHAPTER 3

The experiment was conducted during the period of 06 October to 09 November 2011 in the Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. In the experiment the growth and survival rate of Carassius auratus fry under different systems (ponds, cisterns, hapas) were assessed.

3.1. Experimental fry

Fourteen days old fry of Carassius auratus were used in this experiment. The fry had an initial average total length of 6.0 mm and weight of 0.0071 g. or 7.1 mg.

Fig 1: Fourteen days old fry

3.2. System dimension The experiment was conducted in 3 small ponds, 3 cisterns and 3 hapas. The size of each pond 240 cm × 210 cm × 45 cm, the size of each tank is 210 cm × 180 cm × 90 cm and the size of each hapa is 75 cm × 60 cm × 60 cm. The hapas were set in the cistern.

3.3. Preparation of the systems

Three newly digged ponds were limed at the rate of 1 kg/decimal of lime. After 3 days these ponds were filled with clean water then the ponds were fertilized by urea and TSP fertilizer at the rate of 200 gm/decimal per pond. The cisterns of the faculty of fisheries were properly cleaned and then sun dried for a day and then filled with clean water. The fine meshed hapa were set in different cistern of the Faculty of Fisheries. All the systems were covered by nylon net to protect the fish from predatory birds and all other predator. After a week later of the preparation of the system the 14 days old fry were stocked.

Fig 2: Nylon net over the pond

3.4. Experimental Protocol

The hapa, cistern and ponds were selected to accommodate the relevant treatments. The experimental layout is shown in Table 01.

Table: 1. Experimental layout of Gold fish fry rearing

Total Stocking Treatments Replications (R) stocked size (g)

R-1 (1) 10 0.0071 T1 (Hapa) R-2 (2) 10 0.0071

R-3 (3) 10 0.0071 R-1 (4) 125 0.0071 T2 (Cistern) R-2 (5) 125 0.0071

R-3 (6) 125 0.0071 R-1 (7) 80 0.0071 T3 (Pond) R-2 (8) 80 0.0071

R-3 (9) 80 0.0071

Fig 3: Cisterns and Hapa were covered by nylon net

3.5. Feed supply

Commercial feed named “Mega feed” was selected for the experiment. This feed was examined and used due to having appreciable water stability, high nutrient value and quick water grown promoting qualities. The proximate compositions of powdered form “Mega feed” are given in the Table. Table: 2. Proximate composition of powdered form “Mega feed”

Constituent Amount (%)

Protein 33.63 Lipid 7.82 Crude fiber 6.20 Moisture 12.65 Carbohydrate 19.62 Ash 20.08

Fig 4: Powderd form artificial feed named “Mega feed” 3.6. Rearing of fry

During the experimental period, the fry were fed up to the satiation 3 times daily at 9:30 am, 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. The powdered artificial feed was spread homogenously on the water surface of the system (pond, tank, hapa). The fry were considered satiated when they stopped searching for food in about 30 minutes of

food supply. The cisterns were cleaned every day. A portion of water in each system was changed every day.

3.7. Method of Recording Data and Sampling Procedure 3.7.1. Sampling of fish Fish were sampled at 10 days interval. At least 10 fry were caught from each system by a hand scoop net, and their length (mm) were measures by using scale and weight (mg) were recorded by electric balance.

3.7.2. Growth Parameter 3.7.2.1. Weight gain (g) Weight gain was calculated as- Weight gain (g) = Mean final weight (g) – Mean initial weight (g)

3.7.2.2. Percent weight gain This is a straightforward measure of the overall increase in the mean body weight over a time. Percent weight gain was calculated as-

Mean final weight (g) –Mean initial weight (g) % weight gain = ------× 100 Mean initial weight (g)

3.7.2.3. Specific growth rate (SGR %/day) Specific growth rate (SGR) of the fry was determined by the following formula:

Logw2–Logw1 Specific growth rate (SGR) = ------× 100 T2 – T1

Where w2 = final weight, w1 = initial weight, T2 = time of final weight in days,

T1 = time of initial weight in days.

3.8. Measurement of physico-chemical parameters

3.8.1. Water temperature

Water temperature (ºC) from each tank was recorded by using ordinary thermometer.

3.8.2. Ammonium (mg/l)

Ammonium was measured by ammonium testing kits. The procedures are as follows:

• The measurement vial was rinsed several times with the water to be tested and filled to the 10 ml mark. The vial was dried on the outside.

• Six drop of reagent 1 were added and shaked until the liquid was evenly distributed.

• Six drops of reagent 2 were added and shaken by the same manner.

• Six drops of reagent 3 were added and shaken by the same manner.

• The color was compared after 5 minutes. Then vial was placed on the chart and the color was compared from a position above under natural day light. Direct sunlight was avoided.

3.8.2. Nitrite

Nitrite was measured by nitrite testing kit.

3.8.4. Dissolved oxygen (mg/l)

Dissolved oxygen was measured by a digital Dissolved Oxygen meter (YSI MODEL 58).

3.8.5. pH

pH was measured by digital digital pH meter (Jenway, Model 3020) .

3.8.6. Alkalinity Alkalinity was measured by alkalinity testing kit. The procedure is as follows • The test vessel was rinsed several times with the water to be tested and filled to 5 ml. mark. • One drop of indicator B+M was add and swirld. The solution most turns greenish-blue. • Titrant solution was added drop wise and the drops were counted. The solution mixed slowly until the color changed to lavender-gray. • One more drops was added and the solution turned orange. The number of drops used was counted and multiplied by 17 to obtain result in milligram per liter of calcium carbonate.

Fig 5: Determination of water quality in the system 3.9. FCR Food Conversion Ratio (FCR) of this experiment were measured by using the following formula-

FCR = Feed intake / Body weight gain

3.10. Survival rate The survival rate of each treatment was calculated by counting each species survived at the end of the experiment. The survival rate was estimated by the following formula:

No. of fish harvested Survival rate = ------No. of fish stocked

3.11. Statistical analysis

Data were compiled into means ± SD to check normality of the data and for the determination of the effects of growth and survival profile of the Gold fish (Carassius auratus) fry in different systems (pond, cistern, hapa). The level of significance was taken as P ≤ 0.05.

CHAPTER 4

RESULT

4.1. Growth performance of fish

Weight (g) gain, percent weight (g) gain, specific growth rate (SGR% per day), survival (%) were calculated in Table-3 for the evaluation of growth performance of fish in different treatments.

4.1.1. Weight gain (g)

There was no significant difference in initial weight of fish under different treatments. The mean weight gains of fish at the end of the experiment were 2.60gm, 1.24 gm and 3.51gm in T1, T2, and T3 respectively.

3.5 Hapa 3 Cistern 2.5 Pond

1.5 Growth (gm) Growth 1

0.5

0 Initial Frist sampling Second Third sampling Harvesting Sampling Sampling (10 days interval)

Fig 6: Weight gain of fishes at different treatments.

4.1.2. Percent weight gain The % weight gains of Gold fish in different treatments were 36464.79 %, 17352.11 %, 49319.25 % in T1, T2, and T3 respectively (Table-4). The significantly (P<0.05) highest % weight gain value (49319.25) was recorded in T3 while the lowest (17352.11) was obtained in T1 (Table-3 and Fig.7).

Percent w t gain

50000 40000 30000 Percent w t gain 20000 Weight gain 10000 % 0 T1 T2 T3 Treatments

Fig 7: Percent weight gain of fish in different treatments during study period.

Table-3: Growth parameters, survival and FCR of Gold fish (Carassius auratus) observed in different treatments during the study period. T3 is significantly higher than T1 and T2. Whereas, T1 and T2 are not significant.

Initial Final Weight % Weight SGR Survival rate % FCR Parameters weight(g) weight(g) gain (g) gain (%/day)

H1 0.0071±0.006 3.035±1.76 3.028±1.76 42647.89±2.14 6.57±2.14 70.00±2.12 8.16 Treatments T1 H2 0.0071±0.006 2.713±0.40 2.71±0.34 38112.68±1.91 6.46±1.99 20.00±5.65 40 9.21 6.58 H3 0.0071±0.006 2.04±0.80 2.03±0.80 28633.80±1.44 6.15±1.44 30.00±4.95 2.35

C1 0.0071±0.006 1.43±0.24 1.42±0.23 20042.25±1.01 5.76±1.01 65.60±30.41 1.92

T2 C2 0.0071±0.006 1.087±0.19 1.08±0.18 15211.27±0.76 5.46±0.76 84.00±14.14 74.93 1.97 1.97 C3 0.0071±0.006 1.20±0.19 1.19±0.19 16802.82±0.84 5.57±0.84 75.20±21.92 2.0

P1 0.0071±0.006 2.528±1.49 2.52±1.59 35492.96±1.78 6.38±1.78 33.75±37.48 2.93

T3 P2 0.0071±0.006 3.283±1.46 3.28±1.45 46126.76±2.32 6.67±2.32 16.25±47.37 24.17 4.69 3.33

P3 0.0071±0.006 4.717±1.04 4.71±1.03 66338.03±3.33 6.99±3.33 22.50±43.40 2.36

4.2.2. SGR (%/day) In different treatments the mean specific growth rates of Gold fish were 6.39, 5.60, and 6.70% per day in T1, T2 and T3 respectively. The significantly (P<0.05) highest SGR value (6.70) was recorded in T3 while the lowest (5.60) was obtained in T1 (Table-3 and Fig. 8).

SG R

6.4

6.2 ) 6

/day 5.8 5.6 SG R 5.4 5.2 5 Growth (%Growth T1 T2 T3 Treatments

Fig 8: SGR (%/day) of fishes in different treatments during culture period.

Fig 9: Gold fish fry at the harvesting time.

4.2. Physicochemical parameters of the pond water The results of the water quality parameters such as temperature (°C), pH, dissolved oxygen (mg/L), nitrite (mg/L), ammonium (mg/L) and alkalinity (mg/L) during the experimental period are presented in Table-4.

4.2.1. Water temperature (°C) During the study period, the water temperature varied from 24.0°C to 30.0 °C in the three treatments. The maximum temperature (30.0°C) was recorded in T1, T2 and T3 on 7 October, whereas the minimum (24.0°C) was in T1, T2 and T3 on 12th November 2011. The mean value of water temperature in treatments TI, T2 and T3 was (27.26 ± 1.41) °C (Table 4 and Fig. 10).

4.2.2. Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) During the study period, the dissolved oxygen content of the water varied from 3.50 to 7.50 mg/L in T1 and T2 and 4.0 to 8.50 mg/l in T3. The highest value of dissolved oxygen content (8.50 mg/L) was found in T3 on 7th October, whereas, the lowest value (3.50 mg/L) was found in T1 and T2 on 11th November. The mean values of dissolved oxygen content of the water in T1, T2 and T3 were 6.22 ± 1.35 mg/L, were 6.22 ± 1.35 mg/L and 6.42 ± 1.53, respectively (Table 4 and Fig.11 ).

4.2.3. pH During the study period, the range of recorded pH values in T1 and T2 were 7.40 to 8.16 and in T3 were 7.40 to 8.25. The mean values of pH were 7.69± 0.30 in T1, T2 and 7.83 ± 0.29 recorded in T3 (Table 4 and Fig. 12). The highest value of pH (8.25) was obtained in T3 on 7th October 2011, whereas, the lowest value of pH (7.4) was recorded in both T1 and T2 on 09 January. There was no significant variation of pH values under different treatments.

4.2.4. Alkalinity (mg/L) Alkalinity (mg/L) of the experimental systems varied from 187 to 204 mg/L in T1 and T2 and 221 to 238 mg/L in T3. The mean values of alkalinity were 195.5 ± 9.81 in T1 and T2 and 164.00 ± 25.47 in T3 (Table-4 and Fig. 13). The maximum value of alkalinity were recorded in T3 which were 238 on 8th October and the minimum value of alkalinity was recorded in T1 and T2 which was 187 mg/L on 11th November. There was no significant variation of alkalinity among the treatments.

4.2.5. Nitrite (mg/L) During the experiment nitrite was 0.01 to 0.03 mg/L in all the treatments (Table- 4).

4.2.6. Ammonium (mg/L) The ammonium varied from 0 to 0.03, 0 to 0.03 and 0 to 0.03 mg/L respectively in T1, T2 and T3 in the experimental systems.

Table-4: Average (Mean ± S. D.) values of water quality parameters under different treatments during the study period.

Treatment Water Dissolved Alkalinity pH Nitrite Ammonium temperature oxygen (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/L) (˚C) (mg/L)

T1 27.26±1.41 6.22±1.35 195.5±9.81 7.69±0.30 0.01to0.03 0 to 0.03

T2 27.26±1.41 6.22±1.35 195.5±9.81 7.69±0.30 0.01to0.03 0 to 0.03

T3 27.26±1.41 6.42± 1.53 229.5± 7.83±0.29 0.01to0.03 0 to 0.03 9.81

Temperature

30 25 20

15 T1 10 T2 5

Temperature (ºC) T3 0 T1 T2 T3 Treatment

Fig 10: Mean value of water temperature in different treatments.

D.O

6.45 6.4 6.35 6.3 T1 6.25

D.O (Mg/L) T2 6.2 T3 6.15 6.1 Fig11: Mean value of D.O in differentT1 treatments.T2 T3 Treatment

7.85

7.8 value 7.75 H

P T1 7.7 T2 7.65 T3 7.6 T1 T2 T3 Treatment

Fig.12: Mean value of pH in different treatments.

Alkalinity

230 220 210

200 T1 190 T2 180 T3 170

Alkalinity (D.O) Mg/L T1 T2 T3 Treatment

Fig.13: Mean value of Alkalinity in different treatments

4.4. FCR In different treatments the mean FCR value of Gold fish (Carassius auratus) were 6.58, 1.97 and 3.33 in T1, T2 and, T3 respectively. The significantly highest FCR value (6.58) was recorded in T1 while the lowest (1.97) was obtained in T3.

FCR value

7 6

5 4 T1 3 T2 2 T3 FCR value 1 0 T1 T2 T3 Treatments

Fig 14: Mean FCR value of fishes in different treatments

4.3. Survival rate (%) The survival rate (%) of Gold fish in different treatments was 40%, 74.93%, and 24.17% in T1, T2 and, T3 respectively. T1 and T2 had significantly (P<0.05) higher survival rate than T3 (Table 6). However, the highest survival was obtained in T2 (74.93%) and the lowest was in T3 (24.17%) shown in Fig.14.

Survival rate

0.8

(%) 0.7

0.6

rate 0.5

0.4 T1 0.3 T2 0.2 T3

Survival 0.1 0 T1 T2 T3 Treatments

Fig 15: Survival rate of fishes in different treatments during culture period.

CHAPTER 5 DISCUSSION

This study was conducted to know the growth performance, FCR and survival rate of Gold fish reared in different systems. So that suitable system can be recommended. The investigated fish is ornamental fish and it is exotic species in Bangladesh, which was introduced only for aesthetic purpose by a private entrepreneur.

Limited data exist on growth parameters of ornamental fish including Goldfish, although some information is available for carp species. In the present experiment stocking density was same in all the systems per unit of water volume. The results of this experiment showed that, the highest growth rate was achieved in T3. The average weight gain of individual fish in T3 (3.50g) was higher than T1 (2.59g) and T2 (1.23g). Mean weight gain of common carps ranged from 0.76 to 1.12g in cages was found by Rai and Bista (2000), which is lower than the present study. Prithwiraj et al. (2008) found that the mean weight gain of the koi carps in the the earthen pond ranged from 3.14 g to 9.64 g and this value is higher than the present study. Higher weight gain of koi carp in pond treatment could be attributed to better water quality in that treatment (Jha & Barat, 2005).

The highest SGR for the Goldfish culture was in T3, indicating that this system of culture gives the better growth of fish than other two systems. In this experiment the SGR values were 6.39, 5.60, 6.70%/day in T1, T2 and T3 respectively. Specific growth rates of 5.60 to 6.70 %/day calculated from this investigation were high compared to those published for the gold fish which were between 0.443 to 0.499 %/day (Priestley et al., 2005) and closely related Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio), which were between 2.81–2.92 %/day (Przybyl and Mazurkiewicz, 2004)

and 2.6 for the Indian Major Carp (Catla catla) (Murthy Naik, 2000). These higher growth rates are probably because the Goldfish in this study were fed rations to satiation level in order to maximal growth. Additionally, a further explanation for the higher SGR values of these Goldfish were related to the good water quality of the culture systems and the food delivered to the fish in the whole time of the culture period was very nutritious and were preferable to the fish, overall the food and water quality of the system was really satisfactory.

In the experiment an artificial feed named mega feed was supplied which is very energy-dense diets to produce fish to a marketable size in the quickest time possible. The flaked diets available for ornamental fish are generally less energy dense, with lower protein and fat compared with commercial production diets used in aquaculture. Feed conversion ratios from this study (1.97 to 6.58) were comparatively higher than those published for the gold fish which were between 2.49 to 2.83 (Priestley et al., 2005). Feed conversion ratios from this study were more or less comparable with those found by Moza et al. (1995) for the Goldfish.

Rema and Gouveia (2005) stated that the high survival and growth rates of goldfish larvae (Carassius auratus) were observed in cistern and he also noted that there were no significant differences in total length and total weight among the fishes in his experiment and the growth of goldfish larvae was independent. In this experiment the survival rate of Gold fish (C. auratus) was recorded 40%, 74.93% and 24.17% in T1, T2 and T3 respectively at the harvesting time. The highest survival rate was obtained from T2 and lowest survival rate obtained from T3; however the growth rate was higher in T3 than the other two systems. In the whole period of the experiment the water quality of all the systems was really good and that’s why the survival rate was satisfactory in the Cistern and Hapa however the survival rate was really poor in pond and this may be the because of the pond protection from the predator was not so

good as compared with the hapa and cistern. Priestley (2005) reported that with suitable water quality in cisterns and 4-6 times feeding frequency all the fish remained healthy with no mortalities.

The productivity of a water body depends on some common physical factors such as temperature, transparency as well as chemical factors such as dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity, nitrate etc. (Brett, 1979). Temperature is related to fish growth because it influences fish metabolism since water temperature affects the rate of enzyme activity, mobility of gases, diffusion and osmosis (Brett 1979). Therefore, as body temperature changes, reactions also change, influencing metabolic rate (Diana 2004). Variations of temperature have an effect on standard and total metabolism as well as on the quantity of food that can be eaten by fish. Temperature recorded during the experimental period is more or less similar in different treatments. The highest temperature (30°C) was recorded in treatment T1, T2 and T3 in October was due to high intensity of sunlight and the lowest temperature (24°C) was recorded in systems in November which might be due to low intensity of sunlight and cool air flow. Azim et al. (1995) recorded mean values of temperature 26 ºC from a set of ponds and he observed this data is very significant for the production of young fish fry. In the present study the dissolved oxygen content in water ranged from 5.11 to 6.42 mg/l. Uddin (2002) measured dissolved oxygen to range from 2.2 to 8.8mg/l. These were similar to the present study. The pH range in the experimental period was found to vary from 7.40 to 8.25. Most natural water has pH values of 6.5 to 9 (Boyd, 1982). The present finding was within acceptable range required for fish culture 6.5 to 8.5 as suggested by DoF, 1996.

In the present study alkalinity (mg/l) of the experimental systems was varied from 187 to 238 mg/l. Raihan (2010) found alkalinity on his experiment to range from 114 to 180 that was less than the present study. Rahman (2000) found

alkalinity to vary from 37 to 151 mg/l. Uddin (2002) conducted an experiment in earthen ponds field laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh observed that alkalinity varied from 45 to 180 mg/l. These findings are more or less similar to the present study.

Nitrite is the highest toxic product of the major inorganic nitrogen compounds. Nitrite is formed primarily as an intermediary in the conversion of ammonia to nitrate, a process known as nitrification. Because it gets converted to the nitrate end product quickly, high nitrite concentrations are not common in aquatic systems. In the present experiment nitrite was found to range from 0.01 to 0.03mg/L in all the treatments which is similar to Raihan (2010).

From this experiment we found that the growth rate was vary high in pond than other two systems however the survival rate was low in pond. Higher survival rate was obtained from the cistern although in this system the growth was low than other two systems. With the proper management, pond system should be the best system for gold fish fry rearing.

CHAPTER 6 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The present study was conducted on the rearing of gold fish fry in different systems (Hapa, Cistern and Pond) located in the northern side of the Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, over a period of 40 days from 06 October 2011 to 15 November 2011. The experiment was conducted in three treatments each having three replications. The stocking densities were same in all the treatments with respect to the water volume of the systems. Mega feed containing 33.36% protein was supplied to the treatments from the beginning of the stocking to end of the experiment.

The water quality parameters were monitored at weekly intervals. The mean value of water temperature in T1, T2 and T3 was 27.25 ± 1.41 °C. In the three treatments T1, T2 and T3, dissolved oxygen content was 6.22 ± 1.35 mg/L, 6.22 ± 1.35 mg/L and 6.42 ± 1.53, pH was 7.69 ± 0.30, 7.69 ± 0.30 and 7.83 ± 0.29 and alkalinity was 195.50 ± 9.81, 195.50 ± 9.81 and 229.50 ± 9.81.

To estimate the growth performances sampling was done every 10 days interval and weight (g) of Gold fish was recorded. At the end of the study the average weight gain (g) of Gold fish were 2.59 ± 1.66, 1.24 ± 0.87 and 3.51 ± 2.48 and the mean specific growth rates were 6.39, 5.60, and 6.70%/day, in T1, T2 and T3 respectively. The highest growth rate was found in T3. The survival rates were 40%, 74.93% and 24.17% in T1, T2 and T3 respectively. The best survival rate was found in T2 than other two treatments.

Gold fish is very important ornamental fish and it is very popular and hardy fish. From the study it was observed that cistern was found to be the best system for survival and the pond was found to be the best system for the growth rate of the Gold fish.

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