Growth of Hybrids of Striped Bass x White Bass Fed Redbelly Tilapia or Trout Pellets

The growth in weight of hybrids of striped bass (Morone saxatilis x white bass M. chrysops) fed trout pellets was compared to that of hybrids fed redbelly tilapia (Tilapia zilli, the latter of which were starved to reduce lipid content or were well-fed to ensure greater lipid levels. Production did not differ significantly between fish that ate starved tilapia and those that ate trout pellets. Growth was significantly greater, however, in hybrids that ate fed tilapia than in those that ate starved tilapia. The nutritional value of the pelletized ration was inferior to that of well-fed tilapia, indicating the need for improvements in diet formulation.