This trial aimed to evaluate effects of stocking densities of 1-5 fish/m2 on growth performance, survival rate and economic efficiency of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) in earthen ponds. Fish with an initial length of 90.7 ± 0.1 mm and weight of 20.8 ± 0.1 g/fish and ponds with 600 m2 each and 1.5 m depth were used for this study. Experiment was designed with three treatments, including different stocking densities of 1, 3 and 5 fish/m2. The fish was fed with pellete feed containing 43 - 44% crude protein. Water quality parameters including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, transparency and ammonia concentration were measured once a week. Fish were sampled every 30-day intervals for length and weight measurement then for their growth estimation. Costs were recorded for economic efficiency estimation. Results showed that the water quality parameters were in suitable ranges for growth and development of Asian seabass. The final average length and weight of density 1 fish/m2 was significantly higher than those at 3 and 5 fish/m2 (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference on the fish growth in terms of daily length and weight gain, as well as survival rate and feed conversion ratio between different stocking densities. Asian seabass culture at 3 and 5 fish/m2 resulted in a higher profit compared to at 1 fish/m2. The highest economic efficiency in terms of area pond was showed at 5 fish/m2 treatment.
Palm Oil Based-Diet Enhances Growth Performance of Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer, Centropomidae) Juveniles
