Question

Floating feeds are very popular in the farming of which of the following species

• A. Litopenaeus vannamei
• B. Cyprinus carpio
• C. Ictalurus punctatus
• D. Scylla serrata

Hint:

Floating feeds are produced via extrusion technology under high temperature and high pressure, causing the starches within the pellet to expand (or gelatinize), which creates a low-density, buoyant feed.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Aquaculture feed management relies on understanding the natural feeding behavior of target species.
Formulated feeds are manufactured as either sinking or floating pellets depending on whether the target fish is a benthic/bottom feeder, midwater feeder, or surface feeder.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Litopenaeus vannamei (whiteleg shrimp), Cyprinus carpio (common carp), and Scylla serrata (mud crab) are predominantly benthic or bottom-dwelling feeders. They feed along the substrate and require stable sinking pellets.
- Ictalurus punctatus (channel catfish) is highly adapted to feeding at the water surface. In commercial catfish farming, extruded floating feeds are extremely popular. These floating pellets allow farmers to monitor feeding activity directly, minimize feed wastage, and observe the overall health of the stock.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Floating feeds are popular in the farming of Ictalurus punctatus, which corresponds to option (C).