Growth performance of hybrid catfish (<i>Heterobranchus bidorsalis (♀) x Clarias gariepinus</i> (♂)) at various stocking densities in varied culture tanks

Abstract

Stocking density effect of Heterobranchus bidorsalis (Š) and Clarias gariepinus (‰) hybrid juveniles stocked at densities of 7, 14 and 21 catfishes m-2 in three varied culture tanks (concrete, metal and plastic) were studied for 20 weeks. Total length and weight of catfish juveniles were recorded every fortnight. Plastic tanks with stocking density of 7
catfishes m-2 had the best weight gain (4.89 } 6.81 g) while the least weight gain (1.39 } 2.16 g) was recorded in concrete tank with stocking density of 21 catfishes m-2. There was significant difference between stocking density of 7 catfishes m-2 (4.13 } 5.38 g) and 21 catfishes m-2 (1.82 } 2.26 g) (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in
specific growth rate, feed efficiency and condition factor of catfishes in all culture tanks and stocking densities. The best total length of 12.23 } 5.22 cm was obtained in concrete tank with stocking density of 7 catfish m-2. The least mean total length (9.44 } 4.04 cm) was recorded in plastic tank with stocking density of 21 catfishes m-2. The effect of stocking density on total length was significant between stocking densities of 7 catfishes m-2 (11.85 } 5.52 cm) and 21 catfishes m-2 (9.54 } 4.01 cm) (P < 0.05).