PERFORMANCE INDICATORS OF JUVENILE SNOOK (Centropomus undecimalis) IN FRESHWATER AND MARINE FARMING CONDITIONS

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.813542510076

• Palavras-chave: physiological plasticity, growth, zootechnical performance, water chemistry, tropical aquaculture

• Keywords: physiological plasticity, growth, zootechnical performance, water chemistry, tropical aquaculture

• Abstract: The common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) is emerging as a promising candidate for aquaculture due to its broad salinity tolerance and high commercial value. However, comparative data on its performance in freshwater and marine culture systems remain limited. This study evaluated the growth performance, feed utilization, survival, and water quality parameters of juvenile C. undecimalis reared under controlled freshwater and marine conditions. A total of 150 juveniles were evenly distributed between the two environments, with three replicates per treatment. Fish were fed a standardized diet, and key performance indicators—including weight gain, length gain, specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency ratio (FER), feed conversion ratio (FCR), condition factor (K), and survival—were monitored over the experimental period. Results showed no statistically significant differences between treatments in any of the zootechnical parameters, suggesting that C. undecimalis can adapt equally well to both salinity regimes. Significant differences were found in water quality variables (pH, hardness, temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen), but these did not impact fish performance. These findings highlight the species’ physiological resilience and underscore its potential for flexible cultivation strategies in coastal or inland aquaculture systems. Further research is recommended to optimize diet formulations and assess reproductive performance across rearing environments