Abstract
Labeo rohita (139.92 ± 0.76 mm/24.33 ± 0.45 g) was reared for 92 days in floating square cages (10 m2 area, 1.5 m height) in a pond (2 ha) at six stocking densities (5, 7.5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 fish m−2) each with 3 replicates. Fish were fed daily once in the morning with rice polish and groundnut oil cake (1:1) in dough form at 3 % of the total body weight. Survival ranged from 96 to 100 % in different stocking densities. Final average body weight, average body weight gain, mean daily body weight gain and SGR decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing stocking density. Conversely, final biomass, biomass gain and FCR increased (P < 0.05) with increasing stocking density. The highest growth rate of fish could be achieved up to 60 days at 5 fish m−2 and 92 days at other densities. The reduced growth rate at 10–25 fish m−2 for 60 days of culture indicated that stress is related to size and density of the fish, suggesting that utmost care is required to reduce the stress at high densities. Maximum production and profit was observed at the highest stocking density. Non-lethal levels of water and soil qualities at different sites (cage premises, and 20 and 200 m away from cage area) suggested that cage aquaculture could be done safely covering 0.9 % of pond area. Production of advanced fingerlings in cages was found a viable alternative to their culture in pond.
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Acknowledgments
The authors wish to express their gratitude to the Director, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar for his keen interest, encouragement and necessary facilities.
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Chattopadhyay, D.N., Mohapatra, B.C., Adhikari, S. et al. Effects of stocking density of Labeo rohita on survival, growth and production in cages. Aquacult Int 21, 19–29 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-012-9528-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-012-9528-2