Impact of Substrates and Fish Stocking Density on Growth and Production of The Indian Major Carp, Labeo Rohita (Ham.)

By : P. Keshavanath , J. Ramesha , M. Priyadarshini , B. Gangadhar , A. A. Van Dam , M. C. J. Verdegem , M.C.M. Beveridge

Page No: 1-14

Abstract
The effect of two substrates and four fish stocking densities on the growth and production of rohu (Labeo rohita) was investigated through a 70-day 2 x 2 factorial design experiment carried out in mud-bottomed outdoor 25 m2 cement tanks. Bamboo and sugarcane bagasse were employed as substrates. Both the substrates affected (P<0.05) fish growth and production. Percentage increase in production was higher with the lowest fish density. Periphyton ash free dry matter did not differ significantly among substrates, but showed an increase with the progress of the experiment along with that of pigment content. Fish density did not affect pigment content of periphyton from the two substrates. Bagasse treatment recorded the highest plankton dry weight. A reciprocal relationship was noticed between fish density and plankton dry weight. Substrates reduced water temperature and dissolved oxygen. Bagasse substrate proved equally effective as bamboo in supporting periphyton and fish growth.

Authors :
P. Keshavanath,T. J. Ramesha and M. Priyadarshini
Department of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Mangalore, India.

B. Gangadhar
Peninsular Aquaculture Division, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR), Bangalore, India.

A. A. Van Dam
UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Delft, The Netherlands.

M. C. J. Verdegem
Aquaculture and Fisheries, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.

M.C.M. Beveridge
World Fish Center, CGIAR, Longacres, Lusaka, Zambia