Growth and survival of Dwarf Rainbowfish, Melanotaenia praecox

Ornamental fish culture is a growing business all around the globe.Provision of appropriate food at different larval and post larval stages is an important aspect in success of seed production. Growth and survival of larvae of dwarf rainbowfish, Malanotaenia praecox using different live food organisms and formulated feed at different life stages was evaluated during the study. Experiment I was conducted to determine the effect of different live foods viz. Green water, Infusoria,decapsulated Artemia cysts, Artemia nauplii and mixed zooplankton. In experiment II, fry of dwarf rainbowfish, M. praecox were weaned from mixed zooplankton to formulated feed in 30 days.In experiment III, juvenile of dwarf rainbowfish (initial length = 2.23 ± 0.049 cm, initial weight = 0.13 ± 0.002 g) M. praecox were observed for growth and survival with varying dietary protein levels.