RESPONSE OF AFRICAN LUNGFISH (Protopterus aethiopicus) LARVAE FED ON COMMERCIAL DIETS AND Artemia sp. CYSTS

Sustainable aquaculture production of lungfish in Uganda necessitates development of appropriate feed technology. This study identifies hatchery feeds that can improve performance of African lungfish larvae nursed in aquaria tanks. Larvae were fed on decapsulated Artemia sp. and microdiet (35-57% Crude Protein), and a combination of Artemia cyst + microdiet. Experimental fish were evaluated for growth performance and survival in optimized conditions. Results indicate improved growth and survival rates of lungfish larvae compared to initial attempts to wean this fish on artificial diets. Larvae fed on Artemia sp. and a combination had the highest mean increase in weight and survival rates over time. However, lungfish larvae can exclusively survive well on Artemia cysts but further research will develop low-cost live feeds for nursing this fish. This study provides guidelines for improving lungfish larval nursing, which is important when propagating this fish.