DETERMINATION OF GROWTH AND NUTRIENT COMPOSITION VALUES IN MEAGRE (ARGYROSOMUS REGIUS) AQUACULTURE

The aim of this study was to determine the growth and nutrient composition values of the meagre (Argyrosomus regius) from the cage stocking until the harvest weight. The study was conducted in a private farm operating in the Aegean Sea between 26 September 2015 and 30 November 2016. Fish were taken from the cages according to the random sampling method at specific periods and their growth values were calculated and biochemical analyses were carried out. The initial fish weight 8.22±0.13 g reached 373.96±15.65 g at the end of the study. During the study, feed conversion rate was found to be 1.92±0.19. At the end of the study, carcass yield value was 31.63±0.82%, crude protein value was 20.10±0.04% and crude fat value was 3.19±0.13%. Weight gain, specific growth rate and thermal growth values were found to be higher in the fingerling period of the fish compared to those obtained in the other periods. Also, changes in the seawater temperature had a significant effect on feed consumption and net feed conversion rate. While rapid weight gain is an advantage in meagre fish aquaculture, low carcass yield, low fat ratio, cost of feed, market status and consumer preferences have a negative effect on widespread meagre aquaculture. Increasing the fat content of the meagre and adopting different marketing techniques for meagre fish that will be fed with economical feed suitable to the species requirements will help meagre to find a place in cultured fish market.