Effects of stocking density on growth, survival and feed utilization of Silver catfish Schilbe intermedius (Rüppel, 1832) fingerlings reared in circular concrete tanks

Abstract

In order to realize the first breeding trials of the Silver catfish Schilbe intermedius, the effects of stocking density on growth, survival and feed utilization for this specie was examined. The experiment was conducted in circular concrete tanks during 42 days. Six stocking densities (40, 80,120, 160, 200 and 240 fish/m3) represented respectively by D1, D2, D3, D4, D5 and D6 were tested in triplicate each on fingerlings (5.98±0.025 g body weight). Fishes were fed with the commercial food Coppens (protein 56%, diameter of 0.8 mm). The results showed that, mean body weight, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency ratio were significantly affected by fish’s densities (P<0.05). Except D6, the other densities showed the best growth performances and the higher were recorded with D4. Survival rates were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by stocking densities and ranged from 99.33 ± 0.66-100 ± 0.00%. Therefore, the most suitable stocking density for rearing of S. intermedius fingerlings in concrete tanks is 160fishes/m3 (D4).