ABSTRACT:

Body composition changes in hatchery-raised sub-adult and adult H. longifilis was monitored, using two feeding levels. There were very little sex-based differences in the valuable muscle constituents - fat and protein. Fact showed a high level of dependence on weight that was significant (P<0.01). Protein signifi­cantly Interacted with weight at the 0.001 levels, but had a negative correlation with water (-.54, P< 0.01). Dressing percentage was not influenced by sex. Females in each group grew faster than males. Fat levels had a positive correlation. (r=.62) with weight and a negative correlation with water(- .78: P<0.01) .