Effects of stocking density on mortality,growth and physiology of juvenile Amur sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii)

To evaluate effects of stocking density on welfare of Amur sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii), an experiment was designed using three initial stocking densities in flow‐through tanks (LSD = 3.7 kg m^?3, MSD = 6.9 kg m^?3, and HSD = 9.3 kg m^?3, respectively) for 60 days. Growth, body composition, and haematological and biochemical parameters were monitored. The mortality and feed conversion rate (FCR) were not affected by stocking density. However, the specific growth rate (SGR), final weight and weight gain in the HSD group were significantly lower than in the LSD and MSD groups. The hepatosomatic (HSI) and viscerosomatic indices (VSI) varied inversely with regard to stocking density. Stocking density did not affect crude protein levels in fish. In contrast, the total lipid level was significantly higher in the LSD group compared to the MSD and HSD groups. The levels of erythrocytes and haemoglobin were positively correlated with stocking density. Serum total bilirubin and urea in HSD group were significantly higher than in the LSD group while serum triglycerides showed opposite tendencies. Differences between treatments were not registered for glucose, total protein and albumin. In conclusion, higher stocking density resulted in increased immunosuppression and enhanced energy mobilization. The latter was necessary to enable Amur sturgeon to cope with crowding.     

Effect of stocking density on the growth performance and yield of Nile tilapia [Oreochromis niloticus (L., 1758)] in a cage culture system in Lake Kuriftu,Ethiopia

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of stocking density on the growth performance and yield of Oreochromis niloticus in cage culture in Lake Kuriftu. The treatments had stocking densities of 50 (50F), 100 (100F), 150 (150F), and 200 (200F) fish per m^?3. All treatments were in duplicate. Juveniles with an average weight of 45. 76±0.25 g were stocked in the treatments. The fish were fed a composite mixture of mill sweeping, cotton seed, and Bora food complex at 2% of their body weight twice per day using feeding trays for 150 days in powdered form. The growth performance of O. niloticus was density dependent. The final mean weight of O. niloticus ranged 147.76±0.28–219.71±1.42 g and the mean daily weight gain was 0.69±0.01–1.15±0.02 g day^?1. Fish held in cages with lower density were heavier than the ones held at higher densities, and showed higher weight gain and daily weight gain. The most effective stocking density, in terms of growth parameters, was 50 fish m^?3. The gross yield (4.5–20.55 kg cage^?1) showed a significant difference with increasing stocking density (P<0.05). Moreover, the apparent food conversion ratio (2.48–7.22) was significantly affected by stocking density (P<0.05). However, survival rate was not affected by stocking density (P>0.05). It can be concluded that the most effective stocking densities were at 50 fish m^?3 cage for larger size fish demand in a short period and 200 fish m^?3 for higher gross production with supplementary feed.     

Effects of photoperiod and stocking density on survival,growth and physiological responses of narrow clawed crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus)

Photoperiod and stocking density are critical factors influencing the performance of decapod crustaceans in culture, however, their influence on growth; survival and biochemical physiology of crayfish broodstock have rarely been considered. Analysis of biochemical physiology in crayfish broodstock during the non‐breeding season provides information on the energy storage requirements of broodstock for increased survival and reproductive output. Growth rate, moulting frequency, survival and biochemical physiology were measured in Astacus leptodactylus broodstock that were cultured at three different photoperiods (18L:6D; 12L:12D; and 6L:18D) and three stocking densities (10, 20 and 40 individuals m^?2) during non‐breeding season. Survival of crayfish was highest at 18L:6D photophase and 10 m^?2 (100%) than other treatments. Survival in the high stocking density was high when combined with 18L:6D photophase, but weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) were higher at shorter photophase and lower stocking density. Longer photophase (18L:6D) increased stress responses, characterized by increased haemolymph lactate and glucose levels. Stocking density did not affect proximate composition of crayfish; however, individuals cultured at 18L:6D photophase had higher lipid content than other photoperiod treatments. The study demonstrated that culturing A. leptodactylus at 18L:6D photophase and 10 m^?2 is critical for increased survival of broodstock.     

Aquaculture potential of the basket cockle (Clinocardium nuttallii). Part 1: effects of stocking density on first year grow‐out performance in intertidal and off‐bottom suspended culture

The basket cockle (Clinocardium nuttallii) is a candidate species for aquaculture in the northeast Pacific. The aim of the current research was to assess the feasibility of C. nuttallii grow‐out, with an emphasis on growth performance and qualities affecting product marketability. In this article, we investigated the combined effects of culture mode (intertidal and off‐bottom suspended culture) and initial stocking density (1500, 3000, 10 500 and 21 000 ind m^?2) on C. nuttallii survival and growth during the first year of grow‐out (May through October). In intertidal culture, cockles exhibited low survival and poor growth rates. In suspended culture, survival was consistently high (>96%) at all stocking densities tested; growth and condition parameters had the highest values at 1500 and 3000 ind m^?2. The edible portion (meat yield) exceeded 40% of the whole wet weight at all stocking densities, occurrences of fouled and deformed cockles were <1% and no commensal species were observed. Depending on the minimum harvestable size and stocking density chosen, harvestable proportions constituted from 1.1% to 15.2% by October of the first grow‐out year in the suspended system. The effects of stocking density and depth on second year grow‐out performance of C. nuttallii are reported in a companion paper (Dunham et al. in this issue).     

Effects of stocking density and presence or absence of soil base on growth,weight variation,survival and body composition of pearlspot,Etroplus suratensis (Bloch) fingerlings

With the objective to develop an indoor tank seed rearing system for pearlspot (Etroplus suratensis), effects of three stocking densities in presence or absence of soil base were evaluated on growth, weight variation, survival and body composition in a 60‐day trial. The experiment had a 3 × 2 factorial design with three levels of stocking density (150, 300 and 450 fish m^?3) and two levels of soil base (with and without) in triplicates. Pearlspot fry (27.5 ± 0.5 mm/0.39 ± 0.02 g) were stocked in experimental tanks (Length×Breadth×Height: 0.65 × 0.50 × 0.48 m) and fed with a formulated diet containing 29.85% crude protein. Increasing the stocking density from 150 to 450 fish m^?3 significantly decreased the growth (average body weight and total length), daily weight gain, specific growth rate and survival (P < 0.001) and increased the feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01). Significantly lower growth and survival were observed in treatment having soil base compared with that of without soil base (P < 0.001). However, coefficients of variation at harvest weight and body composition of fingerlings were independent to stocking density and presence or absence of soil base (P > 0.05). A significant positive interaction effect of stocking density and presence or absence of soil base was observed on average body weight (P < 0.05) and survival (P < 0.001) of pearlspot fingerlings. This study suggests that stocking density of 150 fish m^?3 without soil base in tanks would be appropriate for raising pearlspot fingerlings in brackishwater indoor seed rearing system.     

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.     

Enhanced growth and immuno‐physiological response of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia in indoor biofloc units at different stocking densities

An experimental trial was conducted for 90 days to evaluate the growth performance, immunophysiological response of GIFT strain of Tilapia in biofloc‐based rearing system and to assess the relative percentage survival in 3 days after challenging with the virulent strain of Aeromonas hydrophila. Fingerlings with an average body weight 0.98 ± 0.06 g were stocked in triplicate at different stocking densities of 200 (SD1), 250 (SD2), 300 (SD3) and 350 (SD4) m^?3 in biofloc‐based treatments and 150 (C) m^?3 in control (clear water). Biofloc‐based units (SD1 and SD2) obtained significantly better (P < 0.05) growth performances at the end of the experimental period. Mean body weight of fish in biofloc‐based units showed a decreasing trend with increase in stocking density with 100% survival in all units including control. The stress parameters were significantly lower in biofloc‐based rearing units especially in treatments SD1 and SD2 as compared to the control. The fish from the biofloc‐based units (SD1 and SD2) possessed significantly (P < 0.05) higher immune status as compared to control and other biofloc treatments in terms of respiratory burst, serum lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activity. Relative survival percentages were significantly better in biofloc treatments with highest in SD1 and SD2 (83.33%) after challenge study. GIFT strain of Tilapia at higher stocking densities 200–250 nos m^?3 can be taken as optimum stocking density whereas higher stocking densities up to 350 nos m^?3 can be reared in the biofloc systems without compromising the growth and immunity.     

Hatchery cultivation of the common cockle (Cerastoderma edule L.): from conditioning to grow‐out

This study describes for the first time the cultivation of Cerastoderma edule on a commercial scale. A protocol to grow F₂ generation cockles was developed, which led to fine‐tuning experiments for broodstock conditioning and spat growth. Broodstock animals were conditioned with diets of Isochrysis galbana (T‐Iso) or Tetraselmis suecica, whereas a third group was not fed. The best diet, T. suecica, induced 12 females out of 100 animals to spawn a total of 3 380 000 eggs. The non‐fed group did not spawn. Cockle spat (4.9 ± 1.0 mm) grew best when given a mixed diet of C. muelleri, T‐Iso and Sceletonema costatum, or a mixture of P. tricornutum and S. costatum at a concentration of 240 cells μl^?1 day^?1, resulting in a tripling of their wet weight after 14 days. The impact of density, burrowing substrate and food availability on cockle spat growth (41 days old, 5.6 ± 1.2 mm) was studied for 11 weeks. Best results were obtained by culturing spat at ad libitum food conditions at 500 ind m^?2, resulting in an average growth rate of 168 μm day^?1, an average final size of 19.0 ± 1.9 mm and a total final biomass of 1040 g m^?2.     

Effects of stocking density on the survival,growth and physical injury of Marsupenaeus japonicus juveniles in a flowing water aquaculture system

Stocking density is a biotic factor affecting the production of cultivated animals in aquaculture. Herein, a rearing trial was conducted to investigate the impact of stocking density on the survival, growth performance and physical injury of Marsupenaeus japonicus juveniles in a flowing water aquaculture system. Five stocking densities were examined in this study, that is, 10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 individuals/m². Throughout the experiment, ammonia nitrogen and nitrite concentrations ranged from 0.02 ± 0.006 mg/L to 0.08 ± 0.035 mg/L and 0.002 ± 0.001 mg/L to 0.076 ± 0.021 mg/L respectively. The survival rate, specific growth rate (SGR), weight gain (WG), absolute growth rate (AGR) and coefficient of variation for weight (CV) across the stocking densities ranged from 90.38 ± 3.20% to 94.33 ± 4.73%, 1.42 ± 0.16%/day to 1.53 ± 0.05%/day, 1.09 ± 0.19 g to 1.15 ± 0.16 g, 0.018 ± 0.003 g/day to 0.019 ± 0.004 g/day and 16.21 ± 5.78% to 35.09 ± 10.68% respectively. Within the investigated densities, the survival rate and the abovementioned growth parameters were not significantly (p > .05) affected by the stocking density, consequently, a higher stocking density resulted in a significantly (p < .05) greater final biomass. The results regarding physical injury showed that the antennal breakage rate displayed a tendency of a positive correlation with the stocking density. Overall, the current study provides basic data for establishing a viable intensive farming system for M. japonicus and a promising indicator for easily assessing the crowding stress status of M. japonicus.     

Growout production of camouflage grouper, Epinephelus polyphekadion (Bleeker), in a tank culture system

Growout production of the camouflage grouper, Epinephelus polyphekadion (Bleeker), in a 10-m³-capacity fibreglass tank culture system was evaluated, using hatchery-produced fingerlings (56-59 g initial weight) at stocking densities of five, 15 and 45 fish m^?3. During the first 9 months of a 12-month growout period, the fish were fed twice a day with a moist pellet feed containing 40.9% protein. From month 10 onwards until harvest, the fish were fed moist pellets in the morning and trash fish in the evening at a 1:1 ratio. The final weight of fish at harvest was up to 900 g, with mean weights of 544.6 ± 170.72 g at five fish m^?3, 540.2 ± 150.82 g at 15 fish m-^?3 and 513.3 ± 134.52 g at 45 fish m^?3. The results showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in growth rate and fish size between the different stocking densities tested. The average daily growth rate ranged from 0.62 to 3.38 g fish^?1 day^?1, with mean weights of 1.49 ± 0.74 g fish^?1 day^?1 at five fish m^?3 through 0.53 to 2.38 g fish^?1 day^?1, 1.32 ± 0.57 g fish^?1 day^?1 at 15 fish m^?3 to 0.48-3.32 g fish^?1 day^?1 and 1.31 g fish^?1 day^?1 at 45 fish m^?3 stocking density. Although up to 100% survival was observed at the lowest stocking density, the survival rate significantly decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing stocking density. The food conversion ratio (FCR) significantly decreased (P <0.05) with increasing stocking densities, showing efficient feed utilization with increasing stocking densities of E. polyphekadion. The FCR averaged 2.1 at a stocking density of 45 fish m^?3. The yield in terms of kg fish produced m^?3 of water used in the culture system significantly increased (P < 0.001) from five to 45 fish m^?3. The yield averaged 17.3 ±0.53 kg m^?3 at a stocking density of 45 fish m^?3. The present results show that the present tank culture system could sustain more biomass in terms of increasing fish stocking densities. The growth performance of E. polyphekadion observed during this investigation has been reviewed with other grouper species.     

Stocking density effects on growth and production of the threatened silurid catfish,Mystus cavasius (Hamilton) fingerlings in nursery ponds

The fingerling‐rearing experiment of the threatened catfish, Mystus cavasius was carried out at different stocking densities in earthen nursery ponds. Twelve‐day‐old fry were stocked at 200 000 ha^?1 in treatment‐1 (T₁), 250 000 ha^?1 in treatment‐2 (T₂) and 300 000 ha^?1 in treatment‐3 (T₃) respectively. The mean length and weight of fry at stocking was 1.24 ± 0.25 cm and 0.11 ± 0.04 g respectively. Fry in all the experimental ponds were supplemented with SABINCO nursery feed for the first 14 days and starter‐I feed for days 15–56. The physico‐chemical parameters and plankton population of pond water were within the suitable level for fish culture. Growth in terms of final weight, final length, weight gain, length gain and specific growth rate and survival of fingerlings were significantly higher in T₁ than those in T₂ and T₃. Feed conversion rate was significantly lower in T₁ followed by T₂ and T₃ in that order. Significantly higher number of fingerlings was produced in T₃ than that in T₂ and T₁. Even then, consistently higher net benefits were obtained from T₁ than those from T₃ and T₂. Among the treatments evaluated, 200 000 fry ha^?1 was the best stocking density considering the highest growth, production and net benefits of fingerlings of M. cavasius in nursery ponds.     

Does space matter? Optimizing stocking density of Holothuria arguinensis and Holothuria mammata

Stocking density is an important factor affecting growth in aquaculture. The main objectives of this study are to evaluate the effects of different stocking densities on Holothuria arguinensis and Holothuria mammata's growth and determine the optimal density. Four different stocking densities were selected for H. arguinensis (1, 3, 5 and 7 ind/0.2 m²) and three for H. mammata (6, 10 and 12 ind/0.5 m²). Growth (specific growth rate (SGR) and growth rate (GR)), weight change, coefficient of variation and productivity were estimated, additionally the feeding rate on H. mammata. Growth on H. arguinensis decreased as the stocking density increased, showing the higher growth at the stocking density of 1 ind/0.2 m² (SGR: 1.24%/day ± 0.16 and GR: 0.94 g/day ± 0.05), with a 104.65% (±9.98) of weight change. The best H. mammata growth was registered at 10 ind/m² (SGR: 0.56% ± 0.04%/day and GR: 0.48 ± 0.04 g/day) and 25.48% (±1.52) of weight change. H. mammata feeding rate decreased as stocking density increased. Crowding stress could be considered the main factor affecting the sea cucumbers growth and performance on our study. The optimal stocking density for H. arguinensis and H. mammata under tank‐based conditions were established as 1 ind/0.2 m² and 5 ind/0.5 m² respectively. The critic biomass for H. arguinensis (471.65 g/m²) and for H. mammata (988.11 g/m²) were reached during the experiment at the fourth and fifth weeks respectively. Therefore, to ensure and increase growth of these species under tank, their biomass should be maintained under those thresholds.     

The effects of water temperature and stocking density on survival,feeding and growth of the juveniles of the hybrid yellow catfish from Pelteobagrus fulvidraco (♀) × Pelteobagrus vachelli (♂)

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of water temperature and stocking density on the survival, feeding and growth of the juveniles of the hybrid yellow catfish from Pelteobagrus fulvidraco (♀) × Pelteobagrus vachelli (♂) using the parameters as follows: survival rate (%), feeding rate (% day^?1), feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate (% day^?1), coefficient of variation (%), productivity (P, g m^?3 day^?1) and condition factor. We reared the juvenile fish (3.25 ± 0.21 g) at 12 water temperature levels and six stocking density levels (each level included three aquaria in two batches of experiments). The results showed that all groups survived at a temperature range of ≤35°C during a 46‐day experimental period, and they could achieve a high growth at a water temperature range of 26–32°C. The optimal temperature for growth was 29.8°C. Productivity peaked at a stocking density of 1.9 kg m^?3. Our results indicated that the hybrid is very suitable for commercial aquaculture.     

Effects of light spectrum and intensity on growth,survival and physiology of leech (Whitmania pigra) larvae under the rearing conditions

Used as a traditional Chinese medicine, the high mortality rate and slow growth of Whitmania pigra larvae are the most serious bottlenecks for the scale development of artificial breeding. Firstly, five light colour treatments (white, blue, green, red and yellow) were tested to determine effects of light spectrum on the growth of larval W. pigra at the same intensity of 70.00 μmol m^?2 s^?1. The experiment lasted for 45 days. Under our experimental conditions, the weight gain (WG) and the specific growth rate (SGR) under blue light condition were significantly higher compared with the other treatments (P ≤ 0.05). It is reasonable to conclude that blue light can promote the leech growth. In addition, reared at five blue light intensity treatments (20.00 ± 3.84, 40.78 ± 4.18, 53.67 ± 5.98, 70.00 ± 7.26 and 87.33 ± 5.77 μmol m^?2 s^?1), the WG and SGR increased with increasing intensity. Meanwhile, they were significantly higher in the 70.00 and 87.33 μmol m^?2 s^?1 treatments (P ≤ 0.05). In the higher intensity light treatments, the digestive enzymes were higher and antioxidant enzymes were lower. These results suggest that the optimal light spectrum for the culture of W. pigra during the early life stage was blue and the optimal light intensity was higher light intensity (70.00–87.33 μmol m^?2 s^?1).     

Effects of stocking density on growth, yield and profitability of farming Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L., fed Azolla diet, in earthen ponds

Two consecutive experiments were conducted to study the effects of stocking density on growth, food utilization, production and farming profitability of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings (initial mean weight: 16.2 ± 0.2 g) fed Azolla, as a main component in diet. In experiment 1, fish were hand‐fed twice daily with three isonitrogenous (28.5% crude protein) and isocaloric (14.5 kJ g⁻¹) diets A30, A35 and A40 containing 30%, 35% and 40%Azolla, respectively, for 90 days. Diets were formulated by mixing Azolla with locally available by‐products. No significant differences were found in growth parameters and production (P>0.05). Total investment cost was significantly higher with A30 (P<0.05), but same profitability values were obtained with all diets (P>0.05). In experiment 2, three stocking densities, 1, 3 and 5 m⁻², were assigned to three treatments T₁, T₂ and T₃ respectively. Fish were hand‐fed twice daily with diet A40. The final mean weight (89.53–115.12 g), the mean weight gain (0.81–1.10 g day⁻¹), the specific growth rate (1.90–2.20% day⁻¹) and the apparent food conversion ratio (1.29–1.58) were affected by stocking density, with significant difference (P<0.05) at 5 m⁻², compared with the other densities. Stocking density did not affect survival rate (P>0.05). Yield and annual production increased with increasing stocking density, ranging from 7.10 ± 0.90 to 25.01 ± 1.84 kg are⁻¹ and 28.79 ± 3.66 to 101.42 ± 7.48 kg are⁻¹ year⁻¹, respectively, with significant differences between all densities (P<0.05). Higher stocking density resulted in higher gross return and lower cost of fish production, with significant variations (P<0.05). The net return increased with increasing stocking density (P<0.05). However, both densities of 3 and 5 m⁻² produced the same profitability values. On the basis of growth values and economic return, it was concluded that Nile tilapia could be raised at a density of 3 fish m⁻² with A40 to improve production and generate profit for nutritional security and poverty alleviation in rural areas.     

Cage culture of sutchi catfish, Pangasius sutchi (Fowler 1937): effects of stocking density on growth, survival, yield and farm profitability

The sutchi catfish, Pangasius sutchi (Fowler 1937) was grown at 10 stocking densities in cages suspended in a river‐fed channel during the summer of 2000. Catfish fingerlings (mean length 9.1–9.7 cm and mean weight 5.9–6.7 g) were stocked at densities of 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 and 150 fish m^?3. After 150 days, growth and yield parameters were studied and a simple economic analysis was carried out to calculate profitability. The mean gross yield ranged from 15.6±0.27 to 34.5±0.44 kg m^?3 and the net yield ranged from 15.2±0.22 to 33.5±0.36 kg m^?3 and showed significant variations (P<0.05). The mean weights of fish at harvest were inversely related to stocking density. Both gross and net yields were significantly different and were directly influenced by stocking density but the specific growth rate, survival rate and feed conversion rate were unaffected. Higher stocking density resulted in higher yield per unit of production cost and lower cost per unit of yield. The net revenue increased positively with increasing stocking density. A density of 150 fish m^?3 produced the best production and farm economics among the densities tested in this experiment.     

Effect of dietary supplementation of calcium chloride on growth,survival, moulting frequency and body composition of narrow‐clawed crayfish,Astacus leptodactylus (Eschscholtz, 1823)

The effects of dietary calcium chloride (CaCl₂) concentration on the growth, survival, moulting and body composition of Astacus leptodactylus were studied. Diets were prepared using supplementation of 0 (control), 30, 60 and 120 g kg^?1 calcium chloride commercial trout larvae diet containing 50% protein and 12% lipid. Astacus leptodactylus larvae with an average total length of 22.0 ± 0.05 mm (TL) and weight of 0.53 ± 0.01 g obtained from eighteen ovigerous females collected from Seydisehir Sugla Dam lake in Konya, Turkey, were stocked in 0.2‐m² aquariums at a rate of 50 crayfish m^?2 and reared for 90 days. The experiments included four treatments (diets) with three replicates each. Calcium chloride exerted positive effects on growth, moulting frequency, feed efficiency and survival of narrow‐clawed crayfish. Crayfish fed with 60 g calcium kg^?1 calcium chloride‐supplemented diet exhibited the highest weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) but the lowest survival rate (63.3%) (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in mean moisture (803.5 g kg^?1) and protein content (177.0 g kg^?1) in crayfish tail meat. However, lipid values were between 3.8 and 11.6 g kg^?1 and significantly different among the diets (P < 0.05). Diet with 60 g kg^?1 calcium chloride is recommended for the best growth of freshwater crayfish.     

Effect of dietary protein levels on reproductive development and distribution of amino acids in the body tissues of female Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) broodstock in captivity

The present study investigated the optimum dietary protein level for the maturation of adult Pangasianodon hypophthalmus broodstock. Four isocaloric diets containing 250, 300, 350 and 400 g kg^?1 of protein levels were prepared and presented to triplicate groups of fish. The fish (mean weight 770 ± 17.23 g and 712 ± 23.42 g for females and males respectively) were stocked in outdoor canvas tanks (4 m × 1 m × 1 m) at a stocking density of 20 fish/tank with a male: female ratio of 1:4. The fish were fed the test diets to satiation twice daily for 6 months. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) and fecundity were similar among fish fed dietary protein levels, higher than those fed on the 250 g kg^?1. Final weight, weight gain, oocyte weight were significantly highest (P < 0.05) for the fish fed 350 and 400 g kg^?1 dietary protein treatments. Only the 350 g kg^?1 dietary protein treatment resulted in significantly best ovipositor diameter and % ripe egg. Amino acid levels were highest in the muscle followed by the oocyte and liver of fish fed 350 and 400 g kg^?1 dietary protein levels. The present results suggested that a dietary protein level of 350 g kg^?1 can be recommended for the development of P. hypophthalmus broodstock.     

Effects of stocking density of Labeo rohita on survival, growth and production in cages

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.     

Viability of a bottom‐set tray ocean nursery system for Holothuria scabra Jaeger 1833

Scaling up the hatchery production of juvenile sandfish Holothuria scabra is constrained by limited hatchery space and the associated high operational costs. To shorten the hatchery rearing phase, ocean nursery systems like floating hapa nets have been used with good prospects but with limitations during rough sea conditions. In this study, the potential of bottom‐set trays (0.14 m²) as an alternative ocean nursery system for early sandfish juveniles (0.5 ± 0.1 cm) was evaluated. The effects of stocking density and presence of artificial substrates (AS) on the growth and survival were determined in a 60‐day field experiment. Average length and growth rates at lower stocking density treatment (100 individuals tray^?1) were significantly higher (1.45 ± 0.22 cm; 0.03 ± 0.01 cm day^?1) than at higher stocking density treatments (400 and 500 individuals tray^?1) 0.95 ± 0.06 cm; 0.03 ± 0.004 cm day^?1) with or without AS (p < .05) respectively. The coefficient of variation in length (CV) at high stocking densities were significantly higher than at low densities (p < .05) and growth rate was strongly negatively correlated with density. Survival was significantly higher (55% ± 9%) in trays with AS across all stocking density treatments than in trays without AS (34% ± 2%). Results suggest that AS may have reduced intra‐ and interspecific interactions, resulting to significantly lower growth variations and higher survival. The bottom‐set tray with AS can be a practical alternative ocean nursery unit for rearing early sandfish juveniles particularly when the sea surface condition is rough. With improved design and density management, survival and growth may be further enhanced.