Comparative evaluation of different Diets on the Growth Performance and Survival rate of Chela cachius (Silver Hatchet Chela) under controlled aquarium conditions

Abstract

Chela cachius (silver hatchet chela), is a small freshwater ornamental fish species native to Southeast Asia, including India, Thailand, Myanmar and Pakistan. The species is commercially valuable for the aquarium trade due to its attractive coloration and small size. The present study was conducted to investigate the growth performance and survival rate of C. cachius under captivity using different feeding regimes reared at constant temperature from 2 January to 5 May, 2026 in the district Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 20 juvenile fish specimens were collected and equally distributed into two rectangular glass aquaria under controlled lab conditions.  Two dietary treatments, minced chicken meat and commercial fish feed were used to find the growth performance and survival rate. In this study, the specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and significant variation in fish weight and total length were measured. The statistical analysis demonstrated that growth performance of fish specimens in aquarium 1 significantly higher (3.626 cm) as compared to Aquarium 2 (3.070 cm). The survival rate achieved 100% with zero mortality throughout the entire period, indicating that C. cachius is a highly resilient species suitable for captivity. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships between initial and final body measurements (r > 0.94, p < 0.01), demonstrating consistent and predictable growth patterns. Feed conversion ratio analysis indicated efficient feed utilization in both treatments, but the Aquarium 1 (minced chicken meat) showing higher feed efficiency. The percentage of weight gain in Aquarium 1 was significantly higher than in Aquarium 2, indicating that the feeding regime or environmental conditions in Aquarium 1 were more conducive to promoting growth. These results demonstrate that the C. cachius has considerable potential for both commercial aquaculture production and conservation through controlled breeding. The findings provide a scientific foundation for developing optimal management practices of C. cachius, in Pakistan.