Abstract
Tautog (Tautoga onitis) are a valuable commercial and recreational finfish species along the western Atlantic coastline, but high demand has led to depleted populations. To counter this decline, tautog have been identified as a candidate for marine aquaculture. Worldwide, aquaculture is the main source of fish for human consumption and is propelled by advancements in technology and production. Two important aspects of finfish farms include the type of feed, and the techniques associated with feed delivery. In this research, growth performance was tested by comparing diets supplemented with feed attractants in the form of hydrolysates created from Atlantic longfin squid (Doryteuthis pealeii) and green crab (Carcinus maenas). Additionally, tautog feeding behavior was incorporated into culture methods by focusing on how and when feed was distributed to individual fish. Fish were fed the same weight (g) of commercial pellets at different intervals throughout the day and night. The aims of this thesis were to 1) document the role of protein hydrolysates as feed attractants and resulting growth rates of tautog in recirculating aquaculture systems, 2) determine if feeding frequency influences tautog feeding behavior and feed consumption. The research showed that feed attractants did not stimulate growth of tautog when compared to control diets. Average feed consumption was influenced by feeding frequency, with the most frequent feeding regime resulting in the lowest average consumption; however, individual fish did not exhibit this pattern. This work offers strategies to develop comprehensive feeding regimes for regional farmers and researchers interested in tautog aquaculture.