Effects of different stocking densities on growth performance of Tor soro fingerlings under recirculation aquaculture system

Abstract

Intensive aquaculture is an attempt to farm fish at a high stocking density. High stocking density in Tor soro can affect growth, survival, and feed efficiency. Therefore, intensive aquaculture usually adopts several technologies and one of them can be found in the form of a recirculation aquaculture system. This study aimed to examine optimal stocking density supporting Tor soro performance under the recirculation aquaculture system. Four different stocking densities were used as treatments: 2 fingerlings/L, 3 fingerlings/L, 4 fingerlings/L and 5 fingerlings/L. The experiment followed a completely randomized design experiment with four replications. Tor soro fingerlings sized 4-5 cm were reared in a 48 × 48 × 30 cm3 recirculated aquarium, with a water debit of 40 L in each tank for 60 days. Growth and survivals of fingerlings differed significantly between high and low stocking densities. The highest growth occurred to fingerlings at 4 stocking densities per liter (1.67±0.06) and the lowest growth occurred to the group with 5 fingerlings/L (0.34±0.56). Stocking density also significantly affected fingerling survivals where the first group attained 100% survivals, followed by a group of 4 fingerlings/L with (96±4.00%). Results from this study recommend stocking the fingerlings at a density of 4/L to maintain optimal growth conditions.