tubifex worms, fish eggs, chironomous larvae and dry
tubifex. The fish eggs were tested for the first time as diet
of C. chitala which interestingly proved to be highly
useful in the experimental rearing of the post-hatchlings.
The study also confirmed the feasibility of using dry
tubifex to rear C. chitala post-hatchlings. This ability to
use non-live diets by C. chitala has an important implication
for the commercial culture of this species, as the
use of these non-live feed can drastically reduce material
and labour costs, which in turn would increase the economic
viability of a commercial operation. During the
rearing period, C. chitala were sluggish, and showed
schooling and hiding behavior in the caves, pipes and
pebbles provided at the bottom of the recirculatory tank.