AbstractThe individual food intake of each fish in each of four groups of Atlantic halibut,Hippoglossus hippoglossus(L.) (mean weight: 422 g) was monitored by direct observation over a period of 21 days. Gross feed conversion efficiency (= growth·feed intake−1), net feed conversion efficiency and maintenance ration were estimated by regression analysis. Specific growth rates were found to be linearly related to weight‐specific consumption at a temperature of 8–9°C: growth = 1.922· feed intake − 0.242. Maintenance ration was 0.126% of body weight day−1. The gross feed conversion efficiency increased asymptotically with increasing feed intakes and growth rates, and was found to approach 1.9 at high growth rates (0.5 on a dry weight basis). One feeding per day seemed to be sufficient for maximum food intake and