Effects of dietary protein to energy ratios on growth performance of yellowfoot limpet (Cellana sandwicensis Pease, 1861)

The aquaculture of yellowfoot limpets (Cellana sandwicensis) is a prospect industry in research and development. The effects of dietary protein to energy (PE) ratio on growth performance were evaluated for 180 days in a flow-through system. Replicate animals (5.9 +/- 1.72 g and 33.9 +/- 2.13 mm) were stocked randomly on individual plates, and four paste diets containing PE ratios ranging from 87.2 to 102.9 mg/kcal were offered once daily (1600 h). A significant increase in daily feed intake (P < 0.05) was observed to coincide with seasonal decrease in air temperature. Although dietary treatment had no significant effect on overall growth performance (P > 0.05), average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) improved both linearly and quadratically (ADG P = 0.03, P = 0.08; FCE P = 0.05, P = 0.04, respectively). These results indicate potential seasonal growth patterns, which are controlled by environmental cues (i.e. temperature, feed availability, etc.) and must be considered in future trials. Limpets offered higher PE ratio diets did not compensate for lower energy levels with increased feed intake, and specific growth rate increased up to 0.20% BW/d as the dietary PE ratio decreased. A PE ratio of 87.2 mg/kcal produced the best tissue growth and can be recommended as a suitable formulated diet for limpet production.