Growth and Survival of Spotted scat (Scatophagus argus) Fingerlings at Varying Feeding Frequencies

The study was conducted to determine the growth and survival of Spotted seat (Scatophagus argus) fingerlings at varying feeding frequencies for 60 Days in a brackishwater pond at the College of Fisheries Laboratory and Research Station, Barangay Bawing, General Santos Citv from December 27, 2018 to February 96, 2019. Nine units of black-net cages measuring 1mx1mx1.5m were installed in a pond as experimental enclosures. Twenty Spotted scat with an initial weight of 15.6g were stocked in each cage. The treatments consist of two, three and four feeding frequencies. Each treatment was designated as Treatment I, II and Ill respectively, they are randomly assigned in the nine units of black-net cages. Treatment I was fed at (7Am, 5Pm). Treatment II was fed at (7Am, 12nn, 5Pm). Treatment III was fed at ( 7Am, 11Am, 2Pm. and 5Pm). After 60 days of experiment, Treatment Ill obtained the highest mean body weight of 35.28 followed by Treatment II with 33.2g and Treatment I with 29.9g. Highest mean weight gain was obtained in Treatment III with 19.5g. followed by Treatment II with 17.6g and Treatment I with 14.3g. Highest mean daily weight gain was also observed in Treatment III with 0.325g. followed by Treatment II with 0.293g and Treatment I with 0.239g. Analysis of variance for mean body weight, mean weight gain. and mean daily weight gain, revealed that differences among treatments were not significant (P>0.05). Survival rate was 100% for all treatments. The mean feed ratio conversion ratio obtained was 4.2, 2.3. and 1.7 for treatments I, II and III, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that treatment 1 was significantly higher than treatment II, and III. The study suggested that S. argus fed four times 2 day exhibited higher growth performance and lower FCR.