Growth performance and survival of Liza falcipinnis cultured in brackish water at different stocking densities

Abstract

Growth performance and survival of grey mullet (Liza falcipinnis) cultured in brackish water was carried out with the aim of providing information on the growth response and survival of L. falcipinnis under different stocking densities. Four different stocking densities 15, 30,60, and 90 fish per 65 liters plastic tank. Twelve plastic tanks each measuring 0.60mx0.36m was used for the culture arranged in a randomized complete block design with each treatment replicated three times. Data collected were subjected to one way analysis of variance and means were separated using Duncan multiple range test at 5% probability level. The result obtained indicated mean total weight gain decreased with increasing stocking density. The higher mean weight gains were recorded in T1 and T2, respectively. Absolute growth rate and yield showed significant difference (p<0.05) among the treatment. The best absolute growth rate was in T3 1.04±0.01g which is similar in performance with T2 0.76±0.23g and T1 0.54±0.12g and yield was observed to be significantly different (p<0.05) between T1 1265±13.9, T2 1960±27.3, T3 2677±60.1g and T4 1645±31.2g but similarity was observed between T2 and T3. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed no significant difference with increasing stocking density. There was significant difference among the treatments in terms of survival rate with T1 (90%) and T2 (84.3%) having ststistically higher survival percentage, while T4 (34.4%) recording the least survival rate percentage. Water quality did not exceed the suitable and acceptable range for fish throughout the experiment. Therefore, it can be concluded that L. falcipinnis culture is best achievable with stocking density ranging from 15 to 60 fish per 65 litre of water with considerable growth, yield and survival under culture environment.