The experiment was carried out to evaluate the different levels of starch inclusion in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) larvae diets. Three hundred and seventy-five larvae averaging initial weight of 8.02 ± 2.11 mg were allotted to 25 30 L-aquariums, as a completely experimental randomized design, with five treatments and five replications. The diets were formulated to contain the inclusion levels of 0: 2.5: 5: 7.5 and 10% of starch, with 3,500 kcal DE/kg and 38.6% digestible protein. The fishes were fed ad libitum, five times a day. No differences were observed on final weight, weight gain, condition factor and the fishes survival fed diets with starch and control treatment. Starch can be included up to 10% for Nile tilapia larvae as energy source, without effect on fish performance.
Oreochromis niloticus; performance; starch levels; survival; tilapia
