Optimum Dietary Protein Level for Blue Streak Hap, Labidochromis caeruleus

An experiment was designed to determine the optimum dietary protein level of a freshwater ornamental fish, Blue streak hap (Labidochromis caeruleus). Four isocaloric fish meal based diets ranging from 30% to 45% in protein were fed to triplicate groups of Blue streak hap for 8 weeks. Fish (initial weight, 0.85 g) were reared in twelve 50 L aquarium with biological filter and controlled temperature (27.5°C), in stocking density of ten fish/aquarium. Results showed that dietary protein level significantly influenced final weight, weight gain and specific growth rate of fish. Maximum growth of fish was observed in the 40% protein diet, although this was not significantly different from the 35% and 45% protein diets (P>0.05). Specific growth rate and feed efficiency increased from 30% to 40% protein, and thereafter decreased for diet 45% protein. There were statistically significantly differences in feed intake among treatments (P