Experimental methodology in aquaculture: modification of the feeding rate of the gilthead sea brean Sparus aurata at a self-feeder after weighing <B>Experimental methodology in aquaculture: modification of the feeding rate of the gilthead sea brean Sparus aurata at a self-feeder after weighing</B><P> </B><B>Maria Kentouri(1,2), Lluis Leon(3), Lluis Tort(3) and Pascal Divanach(1)</B><I><P> (1) Institute of Marine siology of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece<BR> (2) Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece<BR> (3) Department de Biologia Cellular i Fisiologis, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain</I><B><P> Abstract</B><P> The daily feeding rate using a self-feeding method was studies in several groups of gilthead sea bream following weighing. The first day after weighing all groups showed a significant decrease in feeding rate up to 66% in animals of 179g. A partial compensation for this initial intake deficiency was recorded during the next day. A fluctuating feeding rate with copensations occurring from one day to the next was also observed over the study period. The results are discussed on the basis of methodology and experimental consistency.<I><P> Aquaculture,</I> 119 (1994) 191-200<P>