The Effect of Water Renewal Rate and Frequency on the Growth Performance of Ancistrus multispinis (Regan, 1912, Pisces, Teleostei) Fry

In this study, the effects of different water renewal rates on the development of Ancistrus multispinis fry, a popular aquarium fish species, were examined during the growth phase. For this purpose, five different water renewal programs were applied to A. multispinis fry stocked in glass aquariums during the trial period. The water renewal rates in the groups were planned to be 10%, 20%, and 30% daily (d1, d2, and d3) and 30% and 50% weekly (dh3, dh5). The fry, whose total lengths and weights were measured around the 30-35th day after hatching, were placed in trial tanks. At the beginning of the trial, the average total length of the fry was measured at 13.97±0.47 cm, and their average live weight was 0.027±0.05 g. The trial lasted for 90 days. At the end of the trial, it was observed that the fry in the d3 group, which received a 30% daily water renewal, grew better than those in the other groups. In this group, an average total length of 2.75±0.24 cm and an average weight of 0.23±0.05 g were obtained at the end of the trial. In contrast, the growth performance of the other groups was lower compared to the d3 group. Statistical analyses indicated significant differences among the groups. According to the results of the study, it can be stated that regular monitoring of water quality and consideration of periodic water renewal amounts in the rearing process are important in the farming of this fish species. In this regard, this research emphasizes the need to improve existing traditional methods in A. multispinis fry rearing and suggests that optimizing water renewal practices can enhance the growth performance of A. multispinis fry.