~ 451 ~ International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies 2017; 5(3): 451-455 E-ISSN: 2347-5129 P-ISSN: 2394-0506 (ICV-Poland) Impact Value: 5.62 (GIF) Impact Factor: 0.549 IJFAS 2017; 5(3): 451-455 © 2017 IJFAS www.fisheriesjournal.com Received: 11-03-2017 Accepted: 12-04-2017 Md. Marufujjaman Mithu Department of Fisheries, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh Md. Golam Rabbane Department of Fisheries, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh Md. Abdul Khaleque Department of Fisheries, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh Md. Ghulam Mustafa Department of Fisheries, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh Correspondence Md. Marufujjaman Mithu Department of Fisheries, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh Effect of formulated diets on growth performance and feed utilization efficiencies of snakehead Channa striatus juveniles Md. Marufujjaman Mithu, Md. Golam Rabbane, Md. Abdul Khaleque and Md. Ghulam Mustafa Abstract The present study evaluated the effects of three formulated feed with three different protein (30%, 36% and 40%) levels on the growth performance and feed utilization efficiencies of snakehead Channa striatus juveniles. Results of the current study showed that feed 2 (36% protein) had significant positive effects on the feed conversation ratio (FCR), average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency and condition factor while no such differences were observed in specific growth rate (SGR) and in feed utilization efficiency variables. Significantly lowest FCR (1.39 ± 0.26) was recorded in feed 2. Significantly highest ADG (0.20 ± 0.01 g/d), Feed efficiency (90.81±14.06 %) and protein efficiency ratio (2.26 ± 0.35 %) were measured in feed 2 fish fed 36% protein containing formulated feed. But no significant differences were reported in condition factor, specific growth rate and survival rate among different formulated feeds. Findings of the present study suggest that 36% protein containing formulated feed could be used for better growth and feed utilization efficiencies of snakehead Channa striatus juveniles. Keywords: Formulated diet, growth, cost effective, aquaculture, snakehead 1. Introduction Snakehead Channa striatus is economically important freshwater air breathing small fish [1-2] . It is native to Asia as well as Africa and commercially cultured in Bangladesh, India, Thailand and Philippines [3] . Due to its delicate taste and pharmaceutical value, especially for the reduction of post natal and post surgery pain, it has high demand in the market [4] . This fish is also a great source of polyunsaturated fatty acid which makes immune system strong and regulates prostaglandin synthesis [5] . Freshwater aquaculture is an expanding industry all over the world [6] . Young freshwater fish specially fry or fingerling production is one of the major challenges in the field of aquaculture. Because they are very sensitive to water quality, feed and other environmental factors. Optimum growth of fish largely depends on feed quality, specially the ingredient of feed [7] . Larva culture with quality feed is a prerequisite of fish culture. As Channa striatus is a carnivorous, piscivorous and cannibalistic, it is very difficult to rear fry to fingerlings of Channa striatus and understands their feeding and nutrient requirements. Unfortunately, to the best of knowledge, there are no commercially available feed formulated for Channa species and very few information on nutritional requirements has been studied [8] . Therefore, this study was designed to determine the dietary protein level needed for optimal growth and survival of snakehead in order to replace trash fish by using formulated diet for culture this fish in captive conditions where natural food is limited. 2. Materials and Methods The experiment was undertaken in nine tanks with feeding trial of formulated feed in the Aquatic Laboratory, Department of Fisheries, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000. Snakehaed fish (Locally known as Shoal) Channa striatus (Bloch, 1801) juvenile were used as experimental animals obtained from the wild population, Comilla, Bangladesh. After acclimation in the laboratory, the fish was given experimental diets (feed 1: 30%, feed 2: 36% and feed 3:40% protein containing formulated diets) to determine the feeding ration.