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Abstract
Summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, were fed diets with various protein levels (36.6%, 40.0%, 47.7%, 51.9%, and 56.5%), and the effect of these levels on growth and blood parameters was measured. Fish fed the highest protein level gained significantly (P< 0.05) more weight than those fed lower levels of protein. There were no significant (P> 0.05) differences among mean feed conversion ratios (FCR), protein efficiency ratios (PER), net protein utilization (NPU), or mean percent total body moisture, protein, lipid, or ash content. Fish fed diets with 52 or 56% protein had red blood cell counts that were significantly (P< 0.05) higher than fish fed diets with lower protein levels. In addition, hematocrits were significantly (P< 0.001) correlated to dietary protein. There were no significant differences among mean total protein, triglyceride, glucose or phosphate. However, blood calcium levels varied with diet. Data indicate that summer flounder protein requirements are near those suggested for other flatfish.
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