Effects of bottom substrate and presence of shelter in experimental tanks on growth and survival of signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana) juveniles

The effects of tank bottom substrates and presence of shelter on growth, survival and condition of cheliped in the juvenile (stage 2) signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana), with an initial stocking density of 200 individuals m^?2 were investigated. In the first trial, three different tank bottom substrates with or without shelter were used. The three bottom types were loose gravel, glued gravel and bare bottom. The fastest growth both in terms of wet weight and carapace length was observed on loose gravel bottom. Also survival (range 30.1% to 49.8%) was affected by bottom type being higher on gravel bottoms than on bare bottom. Shelter improved survival only on loose gravel bottom. Bottom type influenced also the number of animals with cheliped injuries. The highest proportion of animals with no injuries (59.5%) was found on bare bottom and the proportion was about 12% and 13% units less on loose gravel and on glued gravel bottom. The presence of shelter had a marginal probability in increasing the number of animals without injuries. In the second trial, the substitution of ordinary gravel as tank bottom substrate with crushed limestone was studied. The mean final wet weights were 0.517 g on ordinary gravel bottom and 0.481 g on limestone bottom. The survivals were about 74% and 80% respectively. Limestone bottom decreased marginally final wet weight, and increased survival but did not affect the final carapace length that had a mean value of 13.6 mm. We conclude from the present experiments that the type of tanks and the rearing system used supported good growth of juvenile signal crayfish. The best growth results could be obtained by using loose gravel (or loose limestone) on the bottom of the tanks with a sufficient quantity of hiding places. However, there appears to be an increased risk for cheliped injuries on bottoms with loose materials.     

Intensive rearing of juvenile crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus,Astacidae) during the first 6 months: effects of size grading

Recent advances in crayfish feeding have enabled the development of size grading studies from the start of first‐feeding. A 180‐day experiment aimed at intensive rearing of Pacifastacus leniusculus was carried out under controlled conditions, evaluating the effects of size grading at two different periods from the onset of exogenous feeding. Stage 2 juveniles were stocked in fibreglass tanks at a density of 100 m², and fed a dry diet for salmonids combined with restricted amounts of Artemia cysts. Five groups were tested: no grading, grading at 60 days (large and small size) and grading at 100 days (large and small size). After 6 months, no significant differences were found in the survival among groups (mean: 73.06%). The highest final growth (pooled results from upper and lower classes: 17.39 mm carapace length, 1.43 g weight) was achieved by the crayfish sorted at 60 days, showing significant differences from the ungraded group. Smaller crayfish graded at 60 days grew significantly faster than smaller crayfish graded at 100 days. The food conversion ratio was lower in the graded groups (mean: 2.64), showing significant differences from the ungraded group (3.23). This study shows that size grading allows a better performance and an improved feeding efficiency.     

Effects of vitamin A inclusion in practical diets on survival and growth of juvenile crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus Dana,Astacidae) from the onset of exogenous feeding

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of practical diets with different levels of vitamin A on survival and growth of juvenile crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus). An 80‐day trial was conducted with stage 2 juveniles from the onset of exogenous feeding. Four diets differing in the level of retinyl acetate were tested: 0, 0.0025, 0.0050 or 0.0100 g kg^?1 diet, equivalent to 0, 2500, 5000 or 10 000 IU vitamin A kg^?1 diet, respectively. Each diet was tested on grouped or individually isolated crayfish. Crayfish fed the diet with 5000 or 10 000 IU vitamin A kg^?1 diet achieved the highest survival (average of grouped and isolated: 88.9%) and growth (grouped and isolated: 13.45 mm carapace length, 533.4 mg weight). Final growth of isolated crayfish was significantly higher than that of grouped crayfish for all diets. This study provides the first data on vitamin A requirements of freshwater crayfish. A level of 5000 IU vitamin A kg^?1 can be recommended for juvenile P. leniusculus during the first period of intensive rearing.     

Effects of vitamin C inclusion in practical diets on survival and growth of juvenile crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus Dana,Astacidae) from the onset of exogenous feeding

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of practical diets with different levels of vitamin C on survival and growth of juvenile crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus). An 80‐day trial was conducted with stage 2 juveniles from the onset of exogenous feeding. Four practical diets differing in the content of l ‐ascorbyl‐2‐monophosphate‐Na were prepared: 0, 0.2, 0.4 or 0.8 g kg^?1 diet. Each diet was tested on grouped or individually isolated crayfish. Diets had no significant effects on survival of crayfish held in groups (average: 73.1%) neither on the isolated ones (average: 90%). Crayfish fed the diet with 0.2 g kg^?1 of l ‐ascorbyl‐2‐monophosphate‐Na had the highest growth (groups: 13.64 mm carapace length (CL), 542.4 mg weight; isolated: 17.05 mm CL, 1213.2 mg weight) and the lowest feed conversion ratio (average of grouped and isolated: 0.99). This study provides the first data on vitamin C requirements of freshwater crayfish. A level of 0.2 g l ‐ascorbyl‐2‐monophosphate‐Na kg^?1 diet (0.07 g ascorbic acid equivalent) can be recommended for juvenile P. leniusculus during the first period of intensive rearing.     

Shelter and lighting in the intensive rearing of juvenile crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus,Astacidae) from the onset of exogenous feeding

Recent advances on feeding in intensive rearing of juvenile astacids enable research of other factors influencing growth and survival without the confounding effect of inadequate feeding. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of the number of shelters per crayfish and to test different lighting conditions. Stage 2 juvenile Pacifastacus leniusculus were stocked in fibreglass tanks and fed a dry diet for salmonids combined with restricted amounts of decapsulated Artemia cysts. In experiment 1, four, two or one shelters per crayfish were tested for 80 days. No significant differences were found among groups either in survival (final mean: 86.67%) or in growth [final mean: 11.41 mm mean carapace length (CL), 355.45 mg mean weight]. In experiment 2, three lighting conditions were tested for 120 days: continuous lighting of 925 lx, continuous darkness and natural photoperiod. Survival rates ranged from 76.7% to 88.3%, with no significant differences among groups. The crayfish kept under continuous darkness grew faster (final mean: 12.70 mm CL, 543.08 mg weight) than those reared under the other two light conditions. This study shows that, under improved feeding conditions, a minimum number of shelters can be provided, and faster growth can be obtained in continuous darkness.     

Effects of fishmeal replacement by feather meal in practical diets for juvenile crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus Dana,Astacidae)

The aim of this study was to evaluate different replacement levels of fishmeal (FM) by feather meal (FeM) on survival and growth of juvenile crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus). An 80‐day experiment was conducted with stage 2 juveniles from the onset of exogenous feeding. Four practical diets (500 g kg^?1 protein) differing in the level of replacement of FM protein by FeM protein were prepared: 0% (control diet), 15% (8.2% dietary FeM), 25% (13.7% dietary FeM) or 35% (19.2% dietary FeM). Each diet was tested on grouped or individually isolated crayfish. Crayfish fed the control diet or 15% replacement achieved the highest survival (average of grouped and isolated: 88.2%) and growth (grouped and isolated: 13.58 mm carapace length, 523.2 mg weight) and the lowest feed conversion ratio (average of grouped and isolated: 1.11). Final growth of isolated crayfish was significantly higher than that of grouped crayfish for all diets. This study provides the first data on the substitution possibilities of FM by FeM in diets for freshwater crayfish. An 8.2% of FeM (15% replacement of FM protein) can be included in extruded diets for juvenile P. leniusculus during the first 80 days of intensive rearing without impairing growth or feed conversion.     

A comparison of the growth and survival of two freshwater crayfish species, Astacus leptodactylus Eschscholtz and Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana), under different temperature and density regimes

Growth experiments carried out with two juvenile crayfish species, Astacus leptodactylus Eschscholtz and Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana), at different temperatures and densities highlighted the problem of cannibalism under conditions aimed at intensifying crayfish production. Cannibalism proved to be much lower in A. leptodactylus than P. leniusculus, suggesting that the former might be the better candidate for astaciculture. In the first of two population survival trials, A. leptodactylus showed a higher survival rate than P. leniusculus, with 26% of P. leniusculus surviving in the first replicate, compared to 42.3% of P. leniusculus, and 40.76% surviving in the second replicate, compared to 47.6% of P. leniusculus. The same trend was observed in the second experiment, with P. leniusculus showing survival rates of 48.5 and 55.3% (first and second replicates, respectively) in comparison to 65.2 and 68.2%, respectively, for A. leptodactylus. It is therefore highly likely that if P. leniusculus were to become established in Turkey, it would outcompete the native A. leptodactylus even if it were not to be devastated by the crayfish plague that has decimated the native species. The experiments also highlighted the problem of differential growth, with some juveniles hardly growing at all while others reached a relatively large size. The range in carapace length (CL) was 9–18 mm for A. leptodactylus and 8.5–18.5 mm CL for P. leniusculus at the end of the first experiment. While both species grew quickly, P. leniusculus hatched earlier, giving it an advantage over A. leptodactylus; consequently, by the end of the summer, the juveniles of the former were larger than those of A. leptodactylus. Specific growth rate values showed that the juveniles of the two species had similar growth rates. The results also revealed that growth was not significantly affected by density in both species at 15°C, but at 25°C, growth was significantly better at a density of 234 juveniles m⁻² than at 468 juveniles m⁻², and better at 468 juveniles m⁻² than at 937 juveniles m⁻² (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). We conclude that P. leniusculus is a good candidate for aquaculture as it has a rapid growth rate and early hatching and maturity; however, its aggressive behavior may make it a less attractive proposition than A. leptodactylus, which is also fast growing but less aggressive. This study is a part of PhD study of M.M. Harlıoğlu, who is supported by Fırat University Elazığ, Turkey.     

分级对银鲫生长和个体大小差异的影响

在室内水槽进行12周的饲养实验以检验分级对银鲫生长和鱼群内个体大小差异的影响。用隔网将实验水槽分为两部分,每个水槽内放养10尾大鱼（体重8.0~9.0 g）和10尾小鱼（体重6.5~7.5 g）,分级时将个体大小相近的10尾鱼分布在隔网同一侧。实验中,3组鱼分别隔1周、2周或4周分级1次,1组鱼不进行分级作为对照。鱼摄食率和生长率随分级间隔时间缩短而降低。实验结束时,隔1周分级1次的鱼体重低于对照组,隔4周分级1次的鱼体重与对照组无显著差异。实验结束时被分级的鱼群中大鱼体重的变异系数高于小鱼,表明大鱼对分级操作更敏感。本实验结果表明,分级未能明显提高银鲫生长速度和降低鱼群内个体大小的差异程度。     

Effects of larger fish and size grading on growth and size variation in fingerling silver perch

This study presents two experiments addressing growth and size variation in fingerling silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus. In the first experiment, fish close to mean population size were raised either in the presence or absence of five larger fish for 60 days. Mean specific growth rate (SGR) and increases in the coefficient of variation and skewness were lower in the presence of larger fish, indicating a negative effect of large fish on the growth of smaller ones. In the second experiment, fingerlings were graded into groups smaller and larger than the median size of the population and raised in size-sorted groups of 60 large or small fish and mixed groups of 30 fish of each size category, for 60 days. There was no difference in mean SGR among groups, nor between the mixed group ad the weighted mean of the small and large groups. Biomass gain was higher in the mixed groups than in the weighted small-and-large groups, probably due to a slightly lower survival in the groups comprised of large fish. The fact that the effect of large fingerlings on the growth of smaller ones was evident in the first, but not the second, experiment may be attributed to higher size disparity between large and small fingerlings in the first experiment.     

Effects of diet, stocking density and environmental factors on growth, survival and metamorphosis of clam, Paphia malabarica (Chemnitz) larvae

A series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of diet, stocking density and environmental factors on the growth, survival and metamorphosis of short neck clam Paphia malabarica larvae. These experiments examined the following factors: diet [ Isochrysis galbana , Nannochloropsis salina and a mixture of I. galbana and N. salina (1:1 w/w)], stocking density (1, 3, 5 and 7 larvae mL⁻¹), light intensity (unshaded, partially shaded and fully shaded) and water filtration (unfiltered and sand filtered). Results indicated that N. salina could replace 50% of I. galbana as a food source for the clam larvae with an increase in growth, survival (47.2%), metamorphosis (33.5%) and early settlement. Larval growth decreased significantly with increasing stocking density. A density of 1–3 larvae mL⁻¹ appeared to be optimal for normal growth of clam larvae. Neither diet nor stocking density used in the study had a significant effect on larval survival. Under partially shaded (light intensity=1000–5000 lx) and fully shaded (light intensity <1000 lx) conditions, larval growth was significantly faster than under direct sunlight (unshaded). Larvae grew significantly faster in the unfiltered water than in the filtered water.     

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.     

Effects of temperature, stocking density and diet on the growth and survival of juvenile Mithraculus forceps (A. Milne Edwards, 1875) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Majidae)

Mithraculus forceps (A. Milne Edwards) has demonstrated a great potential for ornamental aquaculture and the present study tests the effects of temperature, stocking density and diet on the survival and growth of M. forceps juveniles. For 28 days post metamorphosis (DPM), the newly metamorphosed juveniles were reared at two temperatures (25±0.5 or 28±0.5°C), stocked at five densities (1, 5, 15, 30 or 60 crabs ring⁻¹; approximately 226, 1132, 3395, 6791 or 13 581 crabs m² respectively) and fed with commercial pellets (CP), microalgae (Amphora spp.), live newly hatched Artemia nauplii (NHA), frozen Artemia nauplii (FNHA), or combinations of each of these diets with NHA. At the end of the temperature experiment, carapace width of the crabs cultured at 28°C was significantly larger than the crabs reared at 25°C and average intermolt period was significantly shorter. Increased stocking density had a negative effect on survivorship and growth. Survivorship at the end of the diet experiment was significantly different between the crabs not fed, fed with CP and Amphora and the crabs fed with the other diets. Between the diet treatments, the crabs fed with NHA+Amphora were significantly larger than the ones fed with NHA+FNHA, NHA, FNHA and NHA+CP, and these in turn larger than ones fed with Amphora.     

Effect of larval stocking density on growth,survival and whole body cortisol of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819) larvae reared under laboratory conditions

Interest of mussel hatchery development has increased during the last years as natural seed collection does not always satisfy the demand of producers. Success on larval bivalve culture depends on several factors such as diet, temperature or stocking density. In this study, the effect of larval density in mussel culture success has been assessed testing three larval densities: high (50 larvae mL^?1), medium (25 larvae mL^?1) and low (5 larvae mL^?1). Results showed higher growth and survival at low density but the amount of postlarvae was low. The highest number of settled larvae was observed at high density but mortality was also high and a delay on the larval development was detected producing a prolongation on the culture length. However, medium density resulted in a good survival and growth and also in a considerable amount of postlarvae, as this density could be adequate for massive mussel seed production. Cortisol content on the larvae and postlarvae was also analysed and significant differences were obtained among groups probably due to the stress associated to settlement and metamorphosis.     

Effects of different bronopol treatments on final survival rates in the artificial incubation of crayfish eggs (Pacifastacus leniusculus,Astacidae)

Two experiments were conducted on the effects of bronopol in the artificial incubation of crayfish eggs (Pacifastacus leniusculus) with the aim to search an alternative to formaldehyde. In the first experiment, 50, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm bronopol and 3000 ppm formaldehyde (control) in periodical administrations were tested on a density of 6.6 eggs cm^?2. After 44 days of incubation, the highest survival was obtained with 1000 ppm bronopol (81.9% to stage 2 juvenile, with no significant difference from formaldehyde), whereas lower bronopol concentrations resulted in significantly lower survival. In the second experiment, 1000, 3000 and 5000 ppm bronopol and 3000 ppm formaldehyde (control) administered for 15 min every second day were tested on eggs at a density of 20 eggs cm^?2. After 78 days of incubation, bronopol at 3000 ppm allowed for a stage 2 juvenile survival rate of 65.0% (with no significant difference from formaldehyde), whereas significantly lower survival was obtained with 1000 ppm or 5000 ppm. This study shows that bronopol may constitute an alternative to formaldehyde in the artificial incubation of crayfish eggs. A concentration of 3000 ppm administered for 15 min every second day may be adequate even on long incubations at high densities (at least 20 eggs cm^?2, one complete layer).     

养殖密度对毛蚶幼虫生长及存活的影响

为探讨毛蚶(Scapharca subcrenata)幼虫养殖的最佳密度,本研究设定了5个不同的放养密度(2、5、8、14、20 ind/m L),养殖实验从D型幼虫阶段一直持续到幼虫完成附着变态。实验结果表明,随着放养密度的增加,水体氨氮浓度、亚硝酸盐浓度显著升高(P0.05);幼虫密度为20 ind/m L时,分别达到最大值0.089 mg/L和0.008 mg/L。溶解氧浓度则随幼虫密度的增大呈现下降的趋势,幼虫密度达到14、20 ind/m L时,显著低于其他密度组(P0.05)。幼虫的生长速率随放养密度的增加显著下降,5~8 ind/m L为幼虫最佳生长密度。幼虫的存活率也随着放养密度的增加显著下降(P0.05),当幼虫的放养密度为20 ind/m L时,存活率仅为35%。放养密度为8 ind/m L时,幼虫的附着密度最大,且在附着基下层的附着密度显著高于中层和上层(P0.05)。同时,随着放养密度的增加,幼虫附着变态的时间被延长,附着变态规格也显著减小(P0.05)。因此,综合考虑各种要素,规模化苗种生产中幼虫的培育密度控制在5~8 ind/m L较为适宜。     

The effects of grading on the growth and survival of juvenile Dover sole (Solea solea L.)

A 3-month study was carried out to investigate the effects of grading on the overall production, growth performance and survival of juvenile Dover sole (Solea solea L.). Juvenile fish (4.0–40.4 g) were sorted into three size groups: small (4.0–15.5 g), medium (16.0–21.5 g) and large (22.0–40.5 g). In addition, a group of unsorted fish was followed for comparison. The fish from each sorted group and the unsorted group were divided between triplicate tanks at a stocking density of 1.5 kg m⁻². The fish were weighed and counted 21, 42, 63 and 92 days after stocking. In addition, 30 randomly chosen fish in each tank (=90 from each group) were individually tagged. The survival, size distribution, growth and productivity were calculated for small, medium, large and unsorted groups. In addition, comparisons were made between combined sorted and unsorted fish. There was no significant difference between the mean weight and distribution of sorted and unsorted fish by the end of the trial. An increased overall productivity in combined sorted fish was observed. Regular grading could therefore still be beneficial for sole farming as long as the grading interval supports maximum growth (in this case over 90 days). Survival was not significantly affected by the grading process.     

Effects of successive size grading on the growth of juvenile European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) at three temperatures

Juvenile European sea bass from the same fish stock were selected by successive size grading processes using 2, 3 and 4 mm bar graders at 79, 96 and 99 days post hatching, thus forming three groups (n=300) consisting of similar‐sized fish that differed by time of each group formation. The growth patterns of fish groups were studied at three temperatures during 5 weeks of rearing. Three‐way anova followed by the Tukey multiple comparison test (P<0.05) showed a high dependence of growth on the temperature applied. The smallest size and weight of fish were detected in all groups reared at 19 °C compared with fish held at 21 and 23 °C respectively. Differences in coefficients of variation of lengths were small and insignificant between groups and temperatures. Growth in the length of sea bass juveniles during the test period was a linear function of time and no differences were observed in growth rate among groups at a particular temperature. Growth rates of fish were 0.71 ± 0.02, 0.62 ± 0.01 and 0.52 ± 0.02 mm day^?1 at 23, 21 and 19 °C respectively. These results indicated that the variations in body size of juveniles in the test period were not the result of differences in the growth potential of individuals.     

Effects of stocking density on haematological parameters,growth and fin erosion of great sturgeon (Huso huso) juveniles

The influence of stocking density (1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 kg m^?2) was investigated on haematological parameters, growth and fin erosion of great sturgeon (Huso huso) juveniles for a period of 8 weeks. The mean weight of fish at the start of trial was 93.13±1.04 g. After 8 weeks of rearing, the mean weight was 362.4, 319.7, 267, 242.1 and 211.1 in densities 1–8 kg m^?2 respectively. The results of this study showed that growth parameters, including condition factor, weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate and body weight increase, had a statistically significant difference among treatments (P<0.05). A significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in haematocrit, but the other haematological parameters, including red blood cells, white blood cells (WBC), haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and differential WBC count, showed no significant effect with stocking density (P>0.05). At the end of the experiment, stocking density had no significant effect on plasma cortisol and glucose concentration. The fin length (dorsal, anal, ventral, pectoral and caudal) of fish was measured to calculate the fin index. According to this index, dorsal, anal, ventral and pectoral fins showed no significant difference among treatments (P>0.05), but the erosion of the caudal fin was significantly different between fish held on 6 and 8 kg m^?2 (P<0.05). These results showed that rearing density has a major effect on the growth indices of H. huso. Unlike many other fish, great sturgeon exhibited lower stress responses to high stocking density. This indicates that they are more tolerable to rearing conditions in high stocking densities. With respect to the various effects that density causes on growth, fin erosion and physiological and haematological parameters, better understanding of these phenomena considering different levels of density could have a beneficial impact on many rearing steps of this species.     

Effects of the initial size, stocking density and sorting on the growth of juvenile Pacific abalone, Haliotis discus hannai Ino

During winter months, a novel overwintering mode of transferring juvenile abalones to open seawaters in southern China rather than keeping them in closed land-based nursery systems in northern China is a popular practice. The initial size, stocking density and sorting are among the first considerations when establishing an abalone culture system. This study aimed to investigate the effects of these factors on the growth of juvenile Pacific abalone, Haliotis discus hannai Ino, during overwintering. Juvenile abalones were reared in multi-tier basket form for overwintering in open seawaters in southern China for 106 days. The daily growth rates (DGRs) in the shell length of all experimental groups ranged from 67.08 to 135.75 μm day⁻¹, while the specific growth rates (SGRs) were 0.2447–0.3259% day⁻¹. Variance analysis indicated that both DGRs and SGRs in shell length were significantly affected by the initial body size and stocking density. Furthermore, the effects of stocking density on DGRs and SGRs varied with the initial size. However, sorting abalones according to their initial sizes may not be necessary in practice as sorting did not alter growth significantly at all densities in this study. Factors potentially affecting abalone growth such as genetic control and intraspecific competition were discussed.     

Improved survival and growth performances with stocking density manipulation and shelter availability in bagrid catfish Mystus nemurus (Cuvier & Valenciennes 1840) larvae

Manipulation of stocking densities (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 larvae L^?1), each with or without the presence of shelter was conducted to determine the effects on survival, cannibalism and growth performances of larval bagrid catfish Mystus nemurus (Valenciennes 1840) from 2 to 14 days after hatching. This study revealed that stocking density significantly affected survival, cannibalism, total length, feed intake, specific growth rate and final weight of bagrid catfish larvae. Significantly higher survival was observed at moderate stocking density of more than 20 but less than 50 larvae L^?1. Survival was significantly low beyond this threshold and was the lowest at 10 larvae L^?1, coincides with the highest cannibalism. Total length, feed intake, specific growth rate and final weight were significantly higher at 10 larvae L^?1. Shelter significantly improved total length and feed intake. No significant effects of stocking density and shelter were observed on the apparent feed conversion ratio and coefficient of variation. There was also no significant interaction between stocking density and shelter in all parameters. This study suggests that bagrid catfish larvae could be cultured at more than 20 but less than 50 larvae L^?1 with the availability of shelter for optimal larviculture condition.