Prepared (artificial) Diets
Prepared or artificial diets may be either complete or supplemental.
Complete diets supply all the ingredients (protein,
carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals) necessary
for the optimal growth and health of the fish. Most fish
farmers use complete diets, those containing all the
required protein (18-50%), lipid (10-25%), carbohydrate
(15-20%), ash (< 8.5%), phosphorus (< 1.5%), water (<
10%), and trace amounts of vitamins, and minerals. When
fish are reared in high density indoor systems or confined
in cages and cannot forage freely on natural feeds, they
must be provided a complete diet.