Feeding strategies on larval rearing of severum (Heros severus) (Heckel, 1840), Amazonian ornamental fish

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the supply time of artemia and the period of food transition to post-larvae of severum (Heros severus). A total of 450 post-larvae of severum were distributed in 45 aquaria, in a completely randomized design, in a 3x5 factorial scheme, with three replicates. Three feeding periods with artemia nauplii were evaluated: zero, five, and ten days. In addition, five feeding transitions were tested: one, two, three, four and five days, when the animals received joint feeding of artemia nauplii and dry diet. At the end of the experiment the fish were counted, weighed and photographed, to evaluate the productive performance and the morphometric variables. For all parameters evaluated, no interaction between the time of artemia supply and the feeding transition period was observed. Animals fed for 10 days with artemia nauplii showed the best performance results and the highest morphometric variables. The fish that received joint feeding for three days presented satisfactory development. Thus, 10 days of artemia nauplii supply and three days of feeding transition is recommended before starting the exclusive supply of diet inert to post-larvae of severum.