Effects of diet on growth depensation and cannibalism among intensively cultured larval striped bass

Larvae of intensively cultured striped bass (Morone saxatilis) were fed several diets to investigate the relationship between diet, growth, and cannibalism. Fish fed large amounts of brine shrimp nauplii (Artemia salina) and then converted to a combination of nauplii and formulated feed exhibited high growth rates without growth depensation (divergence in size of individuals of the same age) or cannibalism. Larvae fed large amounts of formulated feed but few nauplii exhibited both growth depensation and cannibalism. In our experiments, differences in the ability of same-age fish to adapt to formulated feeds was a major cause of growth depensation. To minimize growth depensation and cannibalism (for predatory species), culturists must ensure that the proffered diet satisfies the diet and ration requirement of all fish.