Different stocking density levels on some growth parameters and survival of Heteroclarias fingerlings reared under Laboratory Conditions in Minna, Niger State

Abstract

An eight weeks study was carried out on the influence of different stocking density levels on some growth parameters and survival rates of Heteroclarias fingerlings reared under laboratory conditions. One hundred of four weeks old Heteroclarias fingerlings of initial mean weight (1.80±0.15g) were randomly separated into four experimental groups consisting of four treatments: 5 (control), 10, 15 and 20 with two replicates each reared in a plastic aquaria tank (19×29×29.5×30cm3) and fed with a commercial diet (coppens) to satiation twice daily. Growth and physicochemical parameters were determined weekly based on standard experimental procedures while survival rates were monitored daily. The results showed that fingerlings cultured at stocking density of five (5) had significantly (p<0.05) higher total length (16.02±1.30 cm), standard length(14.78±1.32cm), weight (24.26±7.99g) and survival rate (100±0.10%) respectively at the end of the study. However, there was significant reduction (p<0.05) in the total length of fingerlings cultured under 10, 15 and 20 stocking densities from week 1 to the end of the study. Physicochemical parameters measured were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the different stocking densities andwere found within the permissible levels for optimum growth of Heteroclarias fingerlings in the tropics. This study showed that the stocking density of five (5) fingerlings/aquaria had better growth parameters and survival rate.