GROWTH PERFORMANCE, SURVİVAL AND BREEDİNG OF Ore-ochrmis niloticus AND Oreochromis macrochir REARED UNDER GREENHOUSE CONDITIONS

Abstract

The growth, survival and breeding performance of Oreochromis niloticus and Oreochromis macrochir was investigated in earthen ponds under greenhouse conditions at Henderson Research Institute. Six experimental ponds, three in open atmosphere and three under greenhouses were set up. Each pond was further subdivided by hapas to make 12 experimental units of which half were stocked with Oreochromis niloticus and the other Oreochromis macrochir. Fish weights and lengths were recorded fortnightly and feed intake was based on current biomass. Fish sex and breeding activities were noted. Results showed that mean weight gain for O. niloticus was significantly higher than O. macrochir both in greenhouse ponds and open ponds. Feed intake was also higher leading to greater weight gains in the greenhouse than in open ponds.