The experiment was carried out, during 100 days, to study different crude protein sources and levels of diets for pacu fingerlings. Two hundred and fifty two pacu fingerlings were assigned to 36 aquariums, containing seven fishes, with 150 liters of water. During the experimental period, the average temperature of the water was 28ºC and other limnology parameters (dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity and conductivity) remainded within the levels adopted for the good development of this specie. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks, with nine treatments in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement with three sources of animal protein (fish meal) replaced by vegetable protein (soybean meal) at the level of 0, 50 and 100% and three protein levels (18, 22 and 26%). The results showed that 22% of crude protein was better and the fish meal can be partially or totally replaced for soybean meal showing the best digestibility coeficients without affecting fishes performance concerning weight gain, feed:gain ratio conversion, specific growth rate and protein efficiency rate. The protein source replacement did not affect the body composition, nitrogen retention efficiency, body nitrogen, body fat and nitrogen and fat in the weight gain.
fish; pacu; protein levels; protein sources; digestibility
