The effect of different feeding levels (viz., 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, 9% and 11% of body weight) on the growth and food conversion ratio of Tor putitora at fry and fingerling stage was investigated for a period of 60 days to determine optimum feeding rate in laboratory conditions. The result of the experiments indicate that the fry obtained the highest average final weight with 9% feeding level, followed by 11%, 7%, 5%, 3% and 1%. There was insignificant difference (P>0.001) in final weight gain between 9% and 11% feeding level. The fingerlings obtained highest average final weight with 5% feeding level, followed by 7%, 9%, 3% and 1%. There was insignificant difference (P>0.001) in final weight gain between 5% and 7% and 7% and 9% feeding levels. Specific growth rate (SGR) and food conversion ratio (FCR) were better at 9% and 11% feeding level in fry stage. Similarly, specific growth rate (SGR) and food conversion ratio (FCR) obtained at 5%, 7% and 9% in fingerlings were better in comparison to 1% and 3% feeding level. The results of the study suggest that feeding a diet to fry at 9% and 5% body weight to fingerlings would be optimal for growth with less wastage of food and better economic returns in Tor putitora culture.
