Growth rate studies of marine ornamental fish Pomacentrus caeruleus in artificial conditions.

Aquaculture industry depends on development and testing of protocols for rearing and breeding of new aquaculture species as these techniques vary with species. In the present study attempts have been made to study the effect of temperature and salinity on the rate of growth of the marine ornamental fish, Pomacentrus caeruleus under artificial conditions. Results reveal the length and weight of the fish to increase gradually at an average rate of 0.10 cm and 0.23 g with decreasing salinity (25 ppt to 5 ppt) at 25 degrees C and 6.54 condition factor (K). Statistical output indicates a significant positive relationship between K at 25 degrees C and K at 30 degrees C (R = 0.557, P < 0.05). Correlation indicated growth rate to be higher between 25 degrees C and 30 degrees C. This is in contrast to the hypothesis which states the weight of the fish to be different at different temperatures, F (2,54) = 5.713, P < 0.05. Tukey's test results indicate a significant difference in the weight of the fishes acclimatized at different temperatures. Mortality rate was highest in 20 degrees C followed by 30 degrees C while least in 25 degrees C. The incidence of diseases was highest in 20 degrees C and the acclimatization period highest in 30 degrees C. In conclusion it appears that Pomacentrus caeruleus exhibits allometric growth at lower salinities and at a controlled temperature of 25 degrees C.