An assay was conducted to evaluate the development of Iguaçu surubim (Steindachneridion melanodermatum) larvae fed different diets. The experiment was analyzed as a complete randomized design with five treatments and four replicates, in 35 L-aquaria, each one with 15 larvae (8.35±0.85 mm and 6.75±0.64 mg). The treatments consisted of five feeding programs: Artemia (A); diet (D); zooplankton (Z); Artemia with diet (A+D); and zooplankton with diet (Z+D). Larvae development was evaluated in illuminated environment during 29 days. For larvae feeding evaluation, three larvae were collected every three days, in five additional aquaria for stomach content analysis. In the A+D and Z+D treatments, the larvae average weight (659 and 571 mg) was significantly higher than the other treatments. The combinations of feeds resulted in better results and, in treatment R, it was observed survival rate of 1.7, that differs from the other treatments. Cannibalism rate was higher in D and Z treatments, with values of 60 and 25%, respectively. The A+D treatment provided the best development and the highest survival rate for Steindachneridion sp larvae.
feeding selectivity; feeding; inert food; larviculture; zooplankton
