Effect of stocking density of fingerlings production of Black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus (J. Richardson, 1846) in pond condition

An experiment was conducted in pond condition under three treatments for a period of 60 days each with three replications to know the effect of stocking density on growth performance of fingerlings production of Black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus. Stocking density were used at the rate of 240 (T1), 270 (T2) and 300 (T3) fingerlings/decimal, respectively. Initial average length and weight of M. piceus fry were 3±0.02 cm and 1.5±0.01g during stocking in the experimental ponds. The fish were initially fed with 25% protein content formulated feed at 8% of body weight and the rate was reduced to 6% gradually. The water quality variabilities were more or less similar in three treatments within the suitable ranges for aquaculture. The SGR value 3.57±0.006 was recorded in treatment T1 while the lowest value was 3.20±0.009 in T3. Survival rate (%) were significantly higher in T1 (91.33±0.88) where the stocking density was low compared to those in T2 (79.83±0.44) and T3 (77.17±0.6), respectively. The net profit in treatment T1 was (Tk. 475428.58±3.25) and lowest in T3 (Tk. /ha 190138.5±6.15). The highest final weight gain, SGR%, production, net profit and cost benefit ratio were found in treatment T1. In the present study production of M. piceus was found to be highest in lower stocking density. Therefore, it is evident that feeding with higher protein supplement with lower stocking density is effective for optimum growth of M. piceus. Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.4(1): 37-44, April 2017