The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different color tanks on Brycon orthotaenia larviculture, during the first ten days of rearing. Light color tanks (white, light blue and light green) and dark tanks (brown and black) were evaluated. The fishes were fed with Prochilodus costatus larvae until the 5th day and, from the 3rd day on, commercial dry feed with 55% crude protein was also supplied. The growth, survival and Fulton's condition factor were evaluated. At five days of feed, the weight, total length and specific growth rate (SGR) were similar among treatments. However, after ten days, the animals kept in dark tanks showed the lowest weight and total length; but the SGR was similar despite the different color tanks. The Fulton's condition factor, observed at the end of the experiment, was lower in animals reared in dark tanks. The survival was lower in black tanks, at five and ten days of rearing. The best survival, at the end of the experiment, was observed in brown, light green and white tanks. Light tanks are recommended for B. orthotaenia larviculture, for animals' best development and survival.
Brycon orthotaenia; feeding; cannibalism; management
