Effect of Gradual Weaning on Survival and Growth of Channa striata (Channidae) Larvae under Different Feeding Regimes

This study evaluated weaning methods for Channa striata larvae using a three-phase feeding trial with four treatments that included T1 (control), T2 (100% Artemia), T3 (100% fish paste), and T4 (50% formulated feed + 50% Artemia). In Phase I (Days 1-15), larvae were fed the respective treatments, followed by a gradual transition to formulated feed in Phase II (Days 16-30). By Phase III (Days 31-45), all groups received 100% formulated feed. Initial average length and weight were 3.26±0.23 cm and 0.56±0.07 g, respectively. Upon completion of the experiment, T2 had the highest final survival rate (89%), with T2 and T3 showing significantly higher weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR). A strong positive correlation between dissolved oxygen and final weight (r = 0.85) highlighted the importance of oxygen for growth, while elevated ammonia concentrations negatively impacted growth (r = -0.98). The findings suggest that C. striata larvae can be effectively weaned to formulated feed either through initial exclusively live feeding followed by gradual transition or by using a combination of live and formulated feed from the beginning, both leading to enhanced survival and growth performance.