Larval growth and survival in Indian Butter Catfish, Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch): effect of light intensity and photoperiod

Two sequential indoor rearing trials each of 21 days duration were conducted to investigate the effect of light intensity and photoperiod respectively on the growth and survival of Ompok bimaculatus larvae. In first trial, five different light intensities viz. 0, 300, 500, 900, 1200 lx were applied randomly to 800 larvae (0.003 g; 0.51 cm) stocked in triplicate following a completely randomized design into aquarium (30.0 x 15.0 x 15.0 cm) tanks. Sequentially, in second trial, five photoperiod cycles (light: dark, L: D) namely, 24L: 0D, 16L: 8D, 12L: 12D, 8L: 16D and 0L: 24D in combination with the best performing light intensity (300 lx) as observed from the first trial were employed in triplicates in similar set up. From the first trial, significantly higher survival was observed in 0 and 300 lx, whereas growth was highest in 900 lx (P 0.05) among 0 and 300 lx light intensities, but were reduced at higher light intensities. The lowest PI was found in 12L: 12D and 8L: 16D condition but did not have any effect in other photoperiod cycles. Overall, from the present study it can be concluded that growth of the larvae is found to be higher in higher light intensity (900lx) and longer photoperiodic cycles (24L: 0D and 16L: 8D), however, better survival was recorded in total dark conditions suggesting that continuous dark condition is recommended for better hatchery performance of the larvae.