Evaluation of Growth,Survival, and Production of an Endangered Fish,Labeo gonius (Hamilton) Fingerlings in Earthen Nursery Ponds

ABSTRACT

Nursery rearing of an endangered fish, Labeo gonius (Ham.) was studied in relation to varying stocking densities in earthen ponds. The experiment was conducted for 8 weeks in nine nursery ponds having an area of 0.012 ha with an average depth of 1 m. Four-day-old hatchling stocked at 0.6 million/ha was designated as treatment-1 (T₁), 0.8 million/ha as treatment-2 (T₂) and 1.0 million/ha as treatment-3 (T₃), respectively. At stocking, all hatchlings were of same age group with a mean length and weight of 0.66 ± 0.08 cm and 0.001 ± 0.0001 g, respectively. Hatchlings in all the experimental ponds were given wheat flour for the first 7 days, finely ground mustard oilcake for the next 7 days and a mixture of rice bran, and mustard oilcake (1:1) for days 15 to 56. The rate of feeding was 20 kg/million hatchling/day for the first two weeks, 25 kg for the second two weeks, 30 kg for the third two weeks and 35 kg for the fourth two weeks. The physicochemical parameters of water and plankton were monitored simultaneously and were within the acceptable range for fish culture. Growth parameters (final weight, final length, weight gain, length gain and specific growth rate) and survival of fingerlings were significantly higher in T₁ (0.6 million hatchling/ha) than those in T₂ (0.8 million/ha) and T₃ (1.0 million/ha), respectively. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly lower in T₁ followed by T₂ and T₃ in that order. The estimated gross and net productions of fingerlings were significantly higher in T₁ than in T₂ and T₃, respectively. Significantly higher number of fingerlings was produced in T₃ than those in T₂ and T₁. Despite this, consistently higher net benefits were obtained from T₁ than from T₃ and T₂. Overall, highest growth, survival, production and benefits were obtained from T₁ where stocking density of hatchlings was 0.6 million/ha. Hence, of the treatments evaluated, stocking density of 0.6 million hatchling/ha appears to be the most efficient stocking density for rearing of L. gonius fingerlings in earthen nursery ponds.     

Effect of density on survival and growth of cyprinid fish fry

One of the bottlenecks in Israel's cold water ornamental fish industry is the large loss of fish during the post-larval stage. As a first step towards increasing survival rates, the optimal stocking density in earthen ponds for fry of each species should be determined. The results of five consecutive experiments with fry of goldfish (Carassius auratus), common carp and koi (respectively, edible and ornamental morphotypes of Cyprinus carpio) are presented here. The experiments were run in 18 cages of 1 m³ and 0.8 mm mesh size placed in a 0.02 ha earthen pond, stocked at 50,100 and 200 fry per cage. The variables analyzed were growth rate, harvesting weight, biomass and survival. Equations to estimate growth rates under different conditions are given. The three fish types present different growth rates and survival patterns in relation to stocking density and season, which lead to different management implications. Koi can be stocked up to 2 million fry per ha without showing negative density effects. Goldfish should be stocked at low density (500,000–1 million fry per ha) in spring and at higher rate (2 million fry per ha) in summer. Common carp stocking density should be adjusted to obtain the required fish size at harvest.     

Relative growth,survival and harvestability of bighead carp,silver carp,and their reciprocal hybrids

Growth and survival in the primary rearing phase (42 days) for bighead carp, silver carp, bighead × silver carp (BHC × SC), and silver × bighead carp (SC × BHC) in ponds and concrete tanks stocked at 370 500 fry/ha were studied. Mean survival for fishes in ponds was 93%, that in tanks was 73%. Yields among all fishes averaged 338 kg/ha. The growth rates of fishes in ponds were similar; in tanks, silver carp grew faster than the bighead carp.Growth, survival, and harvestability by seine during the secondary rearing phase (60-day duration) for the same groups of fish were studied. Fingerlings (0.9 g mean weight) were stocked in earthen ponds at 49 400 fish/ha and 98 800 fish/ha. Mean survival of fishes at low stocking rate was 77%, similar to that (71%) for the high stocking rate. Fish yields were similar at the low stocking rate. At the high rate, the BHC × SC yield (846 kg/ha) was greater than the SC × BHC yield (582 kg/ha). The BHC × SC and SC × BHC had greater mean weights at low stocking rate than at high stocking rate. The mean weights for bighead carp were similar at both rates. Bighead carp and the reciprocal hybrids were more easily harvested by seine than silver carp.     

Effect of Multiple-batch Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Stocking Density and Feeding Rate on Water Quality, Production Characteristics, and Costs

To quantitatively define relationships among stocking densities, feeding rates, water quality, and production costs for channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, grown in multiple‐batch systems, twelve 0.1‐ha earthen ponds were stocked at 8,600, 17,300, 26,000, or 34,600 fingerlings/ha along with 2,268 kg/ha of carryover fish. Fish in all ponds were fed daily to apparent satiation using 32% protein floating feed. Temperature and dissolved oxygen in each pond were monitored twice daily; pH weekly; nitrite‐N, total ammonia nitrogen, and Secchi disk visibility every 2 wk; nitrate‐N, chlorophyll a, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chemical oxygen demand monthly; and chloride every other month. The costs of producing channel catfish at different stocking densities were estimated. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) as a result of stocking density among treatment means of (1) gross or net yields, (2) mean weights at harvest, and (3) growth or survival of fingerlings (24–36%) and carryover fish (77–94%). Mean and maximum daily feeding rates ranged from 40 to 53 kg/ha/d and 123 to 188 kg/ha/d, respectively, and feed conversion ratios averaged 1.75. There were no differences in any feed‐related parameter as a result of density. Water quality variables showed few differences among densities at samplings and no differences when averaged across the production season. Yield of fingerlings increased as stocking density increased with significant differences between the two highest and the two lowest stocking densities. Breakeven prices were lower at the higher stocking densities as a result of the higher yield of understocked fish and similar mean individual fish weights produced at these higher stocking densities. Overall, varying stocking densities of fingerlings in multiple‐batch systems had little effect on production efficiency and water quality. Additional research on managing the population structure of carryover fish in commercial catfish ponds may be warranted.     

Effects of Stocking Size and Density of Tilapia on Macrobrachium rosenbergii in Polyculture

Studies were conducted to determine the effect of stocking size and density of prawns in polyculture.
In one experiment, postlarval prawns (av. wt. 0.02 g) were stocked in six 0.02 ha earthen ponds at 35,00O/ha. Two ponds were stocked with tilapia fry (av. wt. 0.14 g) and two were stocked with tilapia fingerlings (av. wt. 30.1 g), each at 10,000/ha. Two control ponds had no tilapia. Tilipia stocking size had no effect on prawn growth. Mean weight of prawns after 70 days of culture ranged from a low of 4.5 g when cultured with tilapia fingerlings to a high of 6.6 when cultured in monoculture. Prawn survival was adversely affected by tilapia fry. Average prawn survival in tilapia fry ponds was 65% compared to 75% and 91%, respectively, in tilapia fingerling and monoculture ponds.
In a second experiment, postlarval prawns were stocked in nine 0.02 ha earthen ponds at 40,000/ ha. Six ponds were stocked with 30 g tilapia fingerlings, three at 5,000/ha and three at 15,000/ha. Three control ponds received prawns only. After 100 days of culture, prawn weight ranged from an average of 15.9 g in monoculture ponds to 11.5 g in polyculture ponds. Survival was highest (93.8%) in low density polyculture ponds. Survival was lowest (85.6%) in prawn monoculture ponds. Tilapia reproduction had a negative impact on shrimp production.     

Growth and production of endangered Indian butter catfish,Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch) at different stocking densities in earthen ponds

Growth, survival and production of endangered Indian butter catfish (Ompok bimaculatus) fingerlings were examined at different stocking densities. The experiment was conducted for 8 months in nine earthen ponds having an area of 0.03 ha each. 30‐day‐old fingerling, stocked at 40 000 ha^?1 was designated as treatment‐1 (T1), 50 000 ha^?1 as treatment‐2 (T2) and 60 000 ha^?1 as treatment‐3 (T3). At stocking, all fingerlings were of same age group with a mean length and weight of 3.36 ± 0.08 cm and weight of 0.83 ± 0.02 g respectively. Fish in all the treatments were fed with a mixture of rice bran (50%), mustard oil cake (30%), fish meal (19%) and vitamin‐mineral premix (1%). Physicochemical parameters, plankton populations and soil parameters were at the optimum level for fish culture. Highest weight gain was observed in T1 and lowest in T3. Final length, weight and survival of fish also followed the same trend as weight gain. Highest specific growth rate was observed in T1 followed by T2 and T3. Feed conversion ratio was significantly lower in T1 followed by T2 and T3 in that order. Significantly higher amount of fish was produced in T1 than T2 and T3 respectively. Higher net benefit was obtained from T1 than from T2 and T3. Overall, the highest growth, survival and benefit of fish were obtained at a density of 40 000 fingerlings ha^?1. Hence, of the three stocking densities, 40 000 fingerlings ha^?1 appears to be the most suitable stocking density for culturing of Indian butter catfish in grow‐out system.     

A new high in fish production in India with record yields by composite fish culture in freshwater ponds

Composite fish culture of the Indian major carp, Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala together with the Chinese silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella and the Indonesian strain of common carp (Cyprinus carpio communis) was carried out in experimental ponds in 1971–1972 and 1973–1974. The management techniques adopted aimed at high yields of marketable fish (around 1 kg) in 1 year.In the first year, production varied from 3 889 to 5 600 kg/ha/year and this rose to an average of 8 200 kg/ha/year with a maximum of 9 389 kg/ha/year in the second year. The important changes made to the management schedule in 1973 were increased stocking density, greater use of feed and fertilizers, and provision of more weeds for grass carp.The experimental studies demonstrate the practicability of raising large crops of healthy marketable fish in India.     

Effects of Fertilization and of Fry Stocking Density on Pond Production of Fingerling Walleye,Stizostedion vitreum

The influence of fertilization and of fry stocking density on production of fingering walleye, Stizostedion vitreum, was evaluated in earthen ponds at North Platte State Fish Hatchery, North Platte, Nebraska. In 1990, five 0.4-ha ponds were fertilized with alfalfa pellets, and five were fertilized with soybean meal; four unfertilized ponds served as controls. All ponds were stocked with D2 (Dl = the day at hatch) walleye fry at 250.000ha. Differences in yield, number of fingerlings harvested, mean length, and mean weight amone treatments were not statistically significant (P> 0.05). In 691, two fertilization schedules (no fertilizer and fertilization with alfalfa pellets) and two fry stocking rates (250.000 and 375,000 fry/ha) were evaluated. Four ponds were used for each treatment. Statistically significant treatment differences were found in yield, number of fingerlings harvested/ha, average length, and average weight. Yield was higher in fertilized ponds compared with yield from unfertilized ponds at both stocking densities, but yield did not differ significantly between stocking density treatments given the same fertilizer treatment. Survival did not differ between density treatments, but total number of fish harvested was significantly greater from ponds stocked at the higher density. Fingerlings with the largest average weight were raised in fertilized ponds that were stocked at 250,00O/ha, while the smallest fingerlings were from unfertilized ponds that were stocked at 375,000ka. Days in culture interval, which varied among ponds by 9 days in 1990 and 10 days in 1991, was significantly correlated with most production variables in 1990 and with all production variables in 1991. Means of water quality variables were not significantly different between fertilized and unfertilized ponds in either year, but significant differences were found in means of three water quality variables between 1990 and 1991. Yield in both fertilized and unfertilized ponds in 1991 was less than in 1990.     

Evaluation and impact assessment of culture‐based fisheries to enhance fish yield in small reservoirs in Odisha State,India

The present study investigates the success of stocking fingerlings of Indian major carps ‐Gibelion catla (Hamilton), Labeo rohita Hamilton and Cirrhinus mrigala Hamilton – to enhance fish yield in 58 small reservoirs in Odisha State, India. Fish stocking and yield data were collected from State Fisheries Department, Odisha. The relationships between area, stocking density and fish yield of different size groups of reservoirs were assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Fish yield increased significantly (p < 0.05, t‐test) from 204 kg/ha/year in 2012–13 to 323 kg/ha/year in 2013–14 due to adoption of CBF. The corresponding per capita fish production increased from 398 kg fisher^?1 year^?1 to 702 kg fisher^?1 year^?1 benefitting more than 8,000 fisher households. Reservoirs in the size group 100–500 ha showed the highest response of fish yield with respect to stocking of fingerlings. The size of fingerlings at stocking and area of the reservoir had greater impact on enhancing fish yield. Stocking had a profound positive impact on fish yield. This study forms a baseline evaluation of the impact of stocking on small tropical reservoirs in India. It also recommends management measures and discusses issues, and the way forward for sustainable fisheries enhancement in small tropical reservoirs in eastern India.     

Growth, Yield, Dressout, and Net Returns of Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis Stocked at Three Densities in Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Ponds

Abstract— Alternative fish species that can be cultured together with catfish Ictalurus punctatus provide an opportunity to diversify caffish farms. A 2-yr study was conducted in 0.10-ha earthen ponds to evaluate the effect of bighead carp (BHC) stocking density on growth, yield, dressout yield, and net returns. Initially, bighead carp (average weight of 22 g) were stocked at rates of 380, 750, or 1,130 fishha in ponds with catfish. Caffish were cultured under commercial conditions by stocking caffish at a density of 12,500/ha, aerating nightly and feeding at an average rate of 82 kgha per d. Stocking rates for 2-yr-old fish were reduced to 77, 260, and 435/ha in the second growing season. There were no significant differences among treatments ( P > 0.05) in summer growth of bighead carp in either year. Bighead carp stocked at 1,130 fishha had significantly higher yields than those stocked at 380/ha, but did not reach minimum market size of 2.2 kg during the first year ( P > 0.05). There were no significant differences ( P > 0.05) in caffish growth, yield, survival, or feed conversion ratios due to the bighead carp stocking densities. Partial budget analysis indicated that net benefits were positive for all three treatments over a range of prevailing prices of bighead carp. Bighead carp production in catfish ponds is economically feasible over a wide range of prices. Given the market risk of producing smaller fish at the higher density, the medium density is the preferred stocking density of fingerling bighead carp in catfish ponds.     

The Effect of On-Farm Production of Various Sizes of Stocker Caffish Ictalurus punctatus on Farm Profitability.

Abstract— The effect of on‐farm production of various sizes of stocker catfish Ictalurus punctatus on farm profitability was compared to profitability of understocking fingerlings directly into multiple‐batch growout production. Vat‐graded catfish averaging 9 × 2 g (10 cm total length) and 27× 8 g (15 cm total length) were stocked into eight 0.1‐ha ponds at 100,000 fingerlingdha. Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation and harvested 210 d after stocking. There were no significant differences (P < 0.10) in yield, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and survival across treatments. Mean gross yield (× SD) was 9,469 × 852 kg/ha and 8,846 × 2,099 kg/ha; net yield averaged 8,531× 885 and 6,374 × 2,189 kg/ha; FCR averaged 1.8 × 0.1 and 2.4 × 0.7, and survival averaged 38 × 7% and 26 ×11% for the 10‐cm and 15‐m fingerling stocking treatments, respectively. While experimental survival was low, varying survival rates of stockers in the economic analysis did not affect selection of the most profitable stocking strategies. The 15‐cm hgerlings reached a size significantly larger (361× 81 g or 32.8 × 2.2 cm) than the 10‐cm fingerlings (255 × 28 g or 29.6 × 1.4 cm) (P < 0.07). Whole‐farm budgets were developed based on three sizes of farm (65, 130, and 260 ha) and eight production strategies involving the purchase of different sizes of fingerlings for either understocking growout ponds (6,12, or 37‐g fingerlings) or to grow into stockers (114,135, 176, 255, or 361 9). Purchasing 37‐g advanced fingerlings for multiple‐batch production was the most profitable strategy for the three sizes of farm. The second most important profit‐maximizing strategy for larger farm sizes was single‐batch production with 255‐g stockers produced on‐farm, but purchasing 12‐g fingerlings to stock into multiple‐batch production was the second most profitable strategy for the smallest farm. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were robust to variation in survival, prices, and other production characteristics. Risk analysis indicated that purchasing 37‐g advanced fingerlings for multiple‐batch production was associated with the lowest levels of economic risk for growout production.     

Control of the Trematode Bolbophorus confusus in Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Ponds Using Salinity Manipulation and Polyculture with Black Carp Mylopharyngodon piceus

This study evaluated the use of black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus and salinity manipulation for controlling the infection of channel catfish Ictalurus puncratus by a digenetic trematode (tentatively identified as Bolbophorus confusus ). Control methods focussed mainly on the eradication of the intermediate snail host, the marsh rams-horn Phanorbella trivolvis (previously referred to as Helisoma trivolvis ), and were evaluated in laboratory tests and field experiments at a commercial catfish culture facility in southern Louisiana that was seriously impacted by the trematode. Introduction of fingerling black carp into catfish ponds at a density of 62 carpha resulted in an almost total elimination of P. trivolvis . The farm is now successfully using a facility-wide stocking rate of 40 carp/ha. Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of salinity manipulation using NaCl on free-swimming trematode cercariae, the snail P. trivolvis , and catfish fingerlings infected with the cercariae. A salinity of 2.5 ppt had a detrimental effect on snail survival, growth, and reproduction. Salinity did not have a negative effect on the other two aspects of the trematode life cycle tested (in fact, survival of both cercariae and infected catfish fingerlings showed a positive dependence on NaCl over the 0–2.5 ppt range). A field-experiment was then conducted in catfish ponds maintained at three salinities (2.5, 1.25, and 0.25 ppt) with rock salt, NaCl. Snail densities in ponds at 2.5 ppt salinity were consistently lower than in the other treatments and no trematode infection was noted among snails or catfish in the 2.5 ppt salinity ponds. Both the use of 2.5 ppt NaCl and black carp appear valuable management tools for controlling the digenetic trematode in caffish ponds.     

Effects of predation by largemouth bass in fish production ponds stocked with Tilapia nilotica

Triplicate ponds (0.07 ha) were stocked with either 0, 29, 86, or 143 largemouth bass fingerlings and 9500 Tilapia nilotica fingerlings (90% males) per hectare. Fish were fed a 32% protein ration for 6 months and then harvested. Average weight of largemouth bass declined as their stocking density increased. Average weight and total biomass of originally stocked tilapia increased with increasing predator stocking density. Total yields of tilapia were not different and averaged 4203, 4355, 4583 and 4230 kg/ha, of which recruits accounted for 28, 29, 26 and 8% for the above respective predator densities. Stocking 143 largemouth bass per hectare was an effective means of decreasing recruitment and increasing yields of larger sized male tilapia.     

Artificial reproduction and fingerling production of the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822), in protected and unprotected ponds

In order to obtain an appropriate and reliable method for the mass production of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell) fingerlings. experiments on artificial reproduction and pond rearing were carried out in the Republic of Congo in 1987-1991. Reproduction could be induced throughout the year using common carp pituitaries (3 mg kg^?1 female). The average relative fecundity of females varied between 1.3%± 0.3 (SEM) and 14.3%±1.3 (SEM). The average hatching percentage of the eggs varied between 28.4%± 4.5 (SEM) and 59.1%± 3.7 (SEM) respectively, in the dry and rainy season. The fluctuation of the relative fecundity as well as the fluctuation of the hatching percentage follows the seasonal fluctuation in rainfall and temperature. The use of a net cage made of mosquito netting (1 m³, 0.5 mm mesh size) and the roots of water hyacinth (E. crassipes) as an egg incubator proved to be reliable. In ponds not protected against frogs an average of 5.0 ± 2.9 (SEM) fingerlings m^?2 per 40 days cycle were obtained, whereas in ponds completely surrounded by a wall of aluminium roof plates (0.8 m high) the average production was 32.3 ± 3.3 (SEM) fingerlings nr- per 40 days cycle, when they are stocked with approximately 100 larvae m^?2. Increasing the larval stocking density or extending the rearing period did not improve the final production. The main causes of low production in unprotected ponds are competition for food resources due to the presence of phytophagous frog larvae and cannibalism among the fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus. An analysis showed that the system is labour orientated, technically reliable and economically feasible when the fingerlings can be sold for USS 0.07 apiece.     

Intensive polyculture of fish in freshwater ponds. I. Substitution of expensive feeds by liquid cow manure

In 1974 and 1975 nine experimental treatments of fish polyculture in stagnant water ponds without aeration were conducted at Dor. The polyculture was composed of common carp, silver carp, white amur (grass carp) and Tilapia. The treatments differed in stocking densities, feeding and manuring levels. The most productive treatment of the experiment, in which the fish were fed with protein-rich pellets, produced 50 kg/ha per day, probably a record for unaerated ponds of stagnant water. Two treatments (low and high stocking densities) fed exclusively with liquid cow manure produced an average yield of around 32 kg/ha per day. The yields of the treatments receiving high-protein pellets exceeded those of the treatments receiving grain pellets by 20 and 9.6 kg/day per ha, at high and low stocking densities, respectively, and in both cases the yield increments justified the extra cost of high-protein feed. The responses of the four fish species to the different levels of feeding and stocking densities were widely different. The common carp and white amur showed the greatest responses to increased feeding inputs while the silver carp and Tilapia, even at high densities, have done equally well at low feeding levels. Total body fat contents of the common carp were 20%, 15% and 6.2% when fed with high-protein pellets, grains pellets and liquid cow manure, respectively. Intermittent harvesting did not result in increased yields.     

The effect of duration of feeding on survival,growth and production of milkfish, Chanos chanos (Forskal), in brackishwater ponds in The Philippines

Milkfish (Chanos chanos) fingerlings with an average weight of 16.3 g were stocked at 4000 per ha in twelve 500-m² experimental brackishwater ponds. The duration of supplementary feeding using pelletized chick starter (21.15% protein) at a ration of 5% of the biomass, was varied between 0 and 3 months. The duration of supplementary feeding had no significant effect on the survival, growth and production of milkfish. The results indicated that supplementary feeding of milkfish was not necessary at a stocking level of 4000 fish/ha, when adequate pond fertilization was carried out.     

POLYCULTURE OF THE FRESHWATER PRAWN (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) WITH TWO COMBINATIONS OF CARPS IN MANURED PONDS

A study was conducted to 1) evaluate the compatibility of prawns (Macrobrachiurn rosenbergii) with carps, especially the effect of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio); and 2) measure the ability of prawns to utilize the foods available in manured systems. Carps used were the silver (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), bighead (Aristichthys nobilis), grass (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Four ponds (0.09 to 0.17 ha) were stocked with silver, bighead and grass carps while common carp were stocked in only two ponds. Total fish densities were 8,600/ha where four carps were stocked, but only 6,200/ha when common carp were omitted. Post-larval prawns (wt 0.116 g) were stocked at densities of 17/m². Swine (approximately 60/ha of pond surface area) were housed on pond dikes so that fresh manure continuously entered each pond. Two lots of swine were fattened during the experimental period and loadings of swine manure were calculated based on hog size and feed consumption. Growth periods were 163 days for fish and 107 and 121 days for separate stockings of prawns. Gains in biomass by prawns averaged 714 kg/ha in ponds without common carp and 364 kg/ha in ponds containing common carp. Gains in biomass for both fish and prawns were 3,619 kg/ha (19.8 kg/ha/day) in ponds with common carp and 2,924 kg/ha (18.0 kg/ha/day) in those without common carp. Prawn survival was higher (X = 84.5% vs X = 72.5%), but final average weight of prawns was lower (2.64 vs 5.86 g) in the presence of common carp due to competition for food between common carp and prawns. Competition from carp is believed to have exerted less influence on prawn survival than predation on small prawns by larger, faster-growing prawns.     

Production Characteristics of PanSize Channel Catfish in Cages and Open Ponds1

Production characteristics of pan-size (approximately 227 g) channel catfish (Ictalurus puncturus) were determined in cages and open ponds stocked with fingerlings to densities of 20,000 and 12,500 fish/ha. After 145 days, mean fish weight in all treatments exceeded 227 g. Mean survival was similar in all treatments. Food conversion ratios were significantly better in ponds than in cages but density did not affect the ratios. Neither density nor production system affected production (as measured by total weight produced) when initial density differences were considered (analysis of covariance). Variability in total length at harvest was similar between production systems; however, low density treatments were less variable than high density treatments. Results of this study indicate that pan-size channel catfish can be cultured efficiently at stocking densities well above the 12,500 fish/ha (5,000 fishlacre) generally used when culturing fish to larger sizes.     

Effects of Organic and Chemical Fertilizers and Biological Control of Problem Organisms on Production of Fingerling Striped Bass,Morone saxatilis

Sixteen 0.04-ha ponds were fertilized with similar amounts of nitrogen (N) and available phosphorus (P) provided by either alfalfa meal, urea and phosphoric acid, or a combination where half of the P was provided by phosphoric acid and half by alfalfa meal. Half of the ponds fertilized with the combition of nutrients were stocked with adult male common carp, Cyprim carpio, at an average biomass of 168 kg/ha to provide biological control of rooted aquatic plants and clam shrimp, Cyzicus morsie. All ponds were stocked with 25,000 larval striped bass, Morone saxatilis, at an age of D4 (Dl is the day of hatch). Median harvest density and survival were about 100,000ha and 16%. Number harvested was directly related to numbers sampled with a light and dip net at D5 and D8. Low survival was probably related to high afternoon water temperatures (25-26°C) and relatively low morning dissolved oxygen (4.6-6.5 mg/L) when larvae were D5. Stocking larvae at an age prior to swim bladder inflation resulted in an inflation success of 99%. Dynamics of average net photosynthesis, chlorophylla concentrations, and densities of crustacean zooplankton, as well as mean number, biomass, and length of fingerlings harvested were similar in all treatments, regardless of whether the source of P was organic, inorganic, or the combination. Growth rate of larvae from DS to D8 was considered satisfactory (≥0.4 mm/day) with average densities of crustacean zooplankton of 10-20/L. The average growth rate of larvae from D8 to D40 was negatively related to number harvested. A weekly fertilization rate of available P from 28-38 µg/L resulted in satisfactory average growth rate (0.83 mm/day) of decreasing numbers of larvae at increasing ages: D8-D19-150.000ha. D19-D25-125.000/ha, and D25-D40-73,000/ha The presence of adult common carp provided several benefits: effective control of Chara and filamentous algae; a lower average percentage of fingerlings stranded in vegetation when ponds were drained (0.4% vs 10.1%); lower pH; effective control of clam shrimp.     

Intensive polyculture of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) and herbivorous fish [silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Val.), and grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (Val.)]

Intensive polyculture of common carp and herbivorous fish (silver carp and grass carp) at high stocking densities and with intensive feeding with fodder and mineral and organic fertilization was carried out without mechanized aeration and automated feeding.Two stocking patterns were tested. The first, in Pond 1 (with an area of 2.5 ha), had the following stocking rates: one-year carp (C₁), 8000 fish/ha; one-year silver carp (S₁), 1500 fish/ha; and one-year grass carp (G₁), 200 fish/ha. The yield was 6292 kg/ha of standard consumer fish (C₁₊ 743 g, S₁₊ 944 g, and G₁₊ 1000 g) at a relatively low food conversion ratio (2.24) and high survival of all fish. Within the total yield, the two-year carp contributed 76%, the silver carp 21%, and the grass carp 3%. The second stocking pattern, in Pond 2 (0.25 ha), had the following rates: C₁, 8500 fish/ha; S₁, 2000 fish/ha; and G₁, 200 fish/ha, and produced a still higher total yield (6629 kg/ha) at a relatively low food conversion ratio (2.10). The two-year carp in Pond 2 contributed 88% of the total yield, and the herbivorous fish only 12% even though they accounted for 20% of the stock.Our results (Pond 2) are compared with other record yield experiments under similar conditions but including tilapia. At a total stocking rate of 10 700 fish/ha and without participation of tilapia, over a period of 186 days (as against 126 days in the other experiment), our experiments gave a total yield which was 347 kg/ha higher at a food coefficient 15% lower. The growth period was 60 days longer in our experiments but it included April and October when water temperature is much below the optimum and only 4% of the total amount of fodder was assimilated.