The aim of this study was to investigate the preferred pH in silver catfish Rhamdia quelen acclimated to different pH. Fish were acclimated for one week at pH 4.2±0.1, 5.2±0.1, 6.3±0.1, 7.2±0.1, 8.0±0.1, and 9.0±0.1 and after this period, transferred to a polyethylene tube with a pH gradient from 3.5 to 10.0. The position of the fish in the pH gradient was observed 1, 6 and 12 hours after transference. Results indicated that acclimation to different pH did not change pH preference of silver catfish (pH 7.0-7.6), occurring only a transitory variation around 6 hours after transference. This pH preference coincides with the best pH indicated in the literature for growth of this species.
pH preference; water quality; behavior
