The effects of carnitine were evaluated in diets fed to Trichogaster leeri, initial weight 0.5±0.2g and individually randomized into plastic containers (1000mL), with total renewal of water every 48 hours. Five isocaloric diets containing 28% crude protein and 3100 kcalof gross energy were made with the supplementation of: T1= 0 mg; T2= 300mg;T3= 600mg; T4= 900mg; and T5= 1200mg of l-carnitina/kg feed. The diets were administered three times daily ad libitum for 45 days. Total and standard length, height, weight and size of the tail end, in addition to weight gain, feed conversion ratio and condition factor were evaluated. In all parameters examined the treatment of 900 mg of carnitine/kg was the most efficient on the performance for the T. leeri, and after calculating the maximum points, a concentration of 1.000mg/kg feed is suggested. There was significant difference in tail length, body height, final weight and condition factors.
fish; supplementation; nutrition; ornamental
