Biological characteristics of the fish Tepemechin (Agonostomus monticola) in an aquaculture culture

Abstract

The Tepemechín or hot water trout, Agonostomus montícola, species distributed in Mesoamerica and Caribbean regions. As a mugilid likewise it is distributed in fresh and estuarine waters. The tepemechín is a species desired by human conglomerates for its organoleptic characteristics (flavor and fat composition), as it is a species of trophic importance as prey for its high nutritional value (fatty acids) for fish, mammals, rodents and birds. From the tepemechin derived products of cultural importance in the Mayan cosmovision of medicinal application are attributed to the fat desinflammatory
properties. Currently, the populations of Tepemechin from the Atlantic and Pacific basins of Guatemala are depressed due to climate change, overfishing, habitat deterioration, alternate use of river water, among others. The research was directed to evaluate the aquaculture potential, a) Management conditions, b) Alternative and balanced feed for fish, c) Zoomometric performance (size, weight, survival) and d) Reproduction techniques in laboratory conditions were evaluated. The results obtained showed an acceptable adaptation of the organisms to management conditions in ponds independent of the size of capture gregarious habits when small (sizes <15 cm and weights <125g / fish). The organisms accepted both alternative foods (house squid, avocado, bread and tortilla) and balanced foods for both trout, tilapia and shrimp pellets. The best yields were recorded in fish fed with balanced balances between lapia and trout. Fish that reached sexual maturity (sizes> 25 cm and weights> 175 g / fish) preferred balanced feed for rainbow trout (35% CP and 10% fat). The survival rate of captured organisms exceeded 80% in the majority of catches, greater handling difficulty and mortality was observed in sexually mature organisms at the time of capture. At the reproduction level, prolonged photoperiod techniques with shortening of programmed light hours to 30 calendar days, thermal shock, location of enclosures and nutritional “flushing” were evaluated. The best results were observed in the photoperiod technique, however, high territoriality of females with larger weights and weights was observed interfering with the synchronization process. Under no evaluated technique, fry were probably obtained by combining females of different sizes.