The Influence of Different Musical Stilmulation on the Growth Rate of Koi Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract

The aim of my study was to verify if classical music really enhances the growth rate in Koi carp as shown in the study performed by by VASANTHA et al. (2003). We also wanted to verify if, classical music or music in general enhances growth rate of Koi carp, therefore I included a 3rd group with chill out music to compare results. A fourteen-week-long experiment was carried out to investigate whether music does influence the growth rates of Koi Carp (Cyprinus carpio). Three tanks were set up with ten fish in each tank; Tank A, Tank B, Tank C. Each tank was set up to have same water volume, water filtration, light period, feed percentage intake and temperatures. Tank A contained chill out music – ‘Deep House Mix’ by TREVOR NYGAARD, Tank B contained classical music – ‘Eine kleine Nachtmusik’ by WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART, while Tank C was used as a control and contained no music. Weekly growth in weight, length and girth was measured and recorded and used to calculate the weekly gain, the growth rate and specific growth rates of weight, length and girth. The difference in growth between each group of fish was statistically tested for significance. During the whole experiment the Mozart-fishes moved more, than the two other groups. Results show, when comparing the first and the last week a significant difference (p < 0.05) in specific length could be seen between Mozart and Control group. In specific girth measure, significant differences could be seen between Chill-out and Mozart fishes and also between Mozart and Control group. With respect to specific weight results, differences between Chill-out and Mozart and between Mozart and Control group were noted. In all cases, the Mozart –fishes were smaller and lighter, than the two other groups. Chill-out fishes have the lowest fat percent in dry matter (82% that of the control), and intermediary protein level (111% of the control). The highest protein concentration (119% of the control) can be found in the body of the Mozart group, their fat level is also low (89% of the control).