Effect of stocking density of juvenile Bagrid catfish Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Siluriformes: Claroteidae) on growth performance, feed utilization, proximate composition and water quality

The present study investigates effects of stocking density of Bagrid catfish, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus on the growth performance, feed utilization, proximate composition and water quality. Fish with average weight of 7.34±2.36g were stocked in triplicates at densities of 20 fish/m3 (SD 20), 40 fish/m3 (SD 40), 60 fish/m3 (SD 60) and 80 fish/m3 (SD 80). Fish were fed twice a day to apparent satiation for 8 weeks. The results showed that growth performance parameters such as final length, final weight, specific growth rate (SGR), percentage weight gain (%WG), weight gain (WG), and average daily weight gain (ADWG), were significantly different amongst treatments. The highest growth values were obtained in group SD 40 and the least values were obtained in group SD 80. Fish stocked at SD 40 recorded the best feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and feed efficiency. Condition factor increased with stocking density but only from density SD 20 to SD 60 and decreased at SD 80. Water quality parameters were not significantly different among treatment except for nitrate but were all within acceptable ranges for fish culture. There was significant difference in coefficient efficient variation of final weight. There was no significant difference in proximate composition among groups. For optimum growth and feed utilization, this study recommends 40 fish/m3 as the best stocking density for Bagrid catfish.