Stocking Density and its Effect on Growth Parameters of Catfish Rita rita (Hamilton) Reared in Cemented Cisterns

Influence of different stocking density on the growth, feed efficiency, and survival of Majalaya common carp ( Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus 1758)

Background: Stocking density is key to successful Majalaya common carp ( Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus 1758) culture which is a valuable fish culture in Indonesia.  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the growth statues, feed utilization, and survival rate of Majalaya common carp (reared with different stocking density.

Methods: In total, 1400 fish were randomly distributed into four replicates of four different groups of stocking density: 50, 75, 100, and 125 fish m ⁻³. All fish were fed using a satiation method, three times per day with commercial diet for 12 weeks. At the end of the trial week, growth, feed utilization, and survival were determined. Water quality measures, such as dissolved oxygen (mg L ^-1), temperature (°C), pH, NH ³ (mg L ^-1), and NO ₂ (mg L ^-1) were also measured once a week during the trial.

Results: Similar weight gain and SGR were found in Majalaya common carp reared at stocking densities of 50 to 100 fish m ³. However, 125 fish m ^-3 density may reduce weight gain and SGR. The average weekly and daily weight gain of Majalaya common carp significantly increased when reared from 50 to 100 fish m ^-3 and remained constant at 125 fish m ^-3 density. Meanwhile, feed conversion ratio and survival of Majalaya common carp were not affected by any stocking density.

Conclusions: A stocking density of 100 fish m ^-3 exhibited significantly higher growth of Majalaya common carp in hapa net ponds among the treatment. Temperature ranges of 29.20-33.38°C, pH 7.47-8.22, DO 4.76-7.55 (mg L ^-1), NH ₃ 0-0.5 mg L ^-1, and NO ₂ 0-1 mg L ^-1 were found to provide optimum condition to the fish.