3. Results
3.1. Algal nutritional composition
Nutritional composition and caloric content of the three red seaweeds are shown in Table 1. Protein energy ratios and gross energy were very similar among the different algae. However, there were significant differences (P < 0.05) among the proximate compositions of the algae fed. Protein content was significantly highest in H. musciformis, whereas G. cornea showed the lowest. Similarly, H. musciformis showed the highest carbohydrate content and G. cornea the lowest. The three algal species were low in lipid content, the highest being also found in H. musciformis and the lowest in H. spinella. The ash content varied inversely to protein and carbohydrate contents and was highest in G. cornea and lowest in H. musciformis.