Growth, yield and economic returns of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) at different stocking densities under floodplain cage culture system

Abstract

The influence of stocking density plays one of the major roles in the final production for profitable aquaculture. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of stocking density on growth, yield and economic return of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). The fish were reared in cages at three different stocking densities. Fishes were stocked at 19, 22 and 25 fish/m3 densities indicated as T1, T2 and T3. After 90 days of the experimental period, growth and yield parameters were studied and economic analysis regarding farm profitability was carried out. Fish growth performance significantly decreased with increasing stocking density. The mean yields were 12.27 ± 0.08, 14.00 ± 0.14 and 15.01 ± 0.20 kg/m3 in T1, T2 and T3, respectively and showed significant variations (P < 0.05) with increasing stocking density. RGR, SGR, PER between 19 and 22 fish/m3 were not significantly different, but they were significantly higher than 25 fish/m3. The FCR was significantly lower in 19 and 22 fish/m3 than the 25 fish/m3 stocked cages. Environmental parameters were within the acceptable range. The benefit-cost analysis revealed significantly higher BCR in 19 and 22 fish/m3. Overall, best farm profitability was achieved from the stocking density of 22 fish/m3 among three stocking densities experimented in the study.