Effect of Salt in the Water for Transport on Survival and on Na and K Body Levels of Silver Catfish, Rhamdia quelen , Fingerlings.

The effect of different salt concentrations (0, 1, 3, or 6 g/L table salt) in the water for transport on survival and on Na+ and K+ body levels of fingerlings of the freshwater silver catfish, Rhamdia quelen, was analyzed. Mortality increased with time of transport and salt concentration, with a significant correlation between these parameters. The water containing 6 g/L salt increased body levels of Na+, compared to other treatments from 6 to 12 hours. Body levels of K+ of fingerlings transported in water with 1, 3, and 6 g/L salt decreased from 6 to 12 hours, compared to the treatment without the addition of salt. These results indicate that the water for transport of silver catfish fin-gerlings should not contain salt. Since dissolved oxygen levels decreased to low levels, it is suggested that time of transport should not exceed 12 hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]