EFFECTS OF STOCKING DENSITY ON GROWTH PARAMETERS OF GULSHA TENGRA (Mystus cavasius) IN PONDS

Abstract

To know the effect of stocking density on the growth parameters of gulsha fish, an experiment was carried out in six different ponds located at Kachubari, Thakurgaon for a period of five months from 1 March to 30 July, 2015. Three stocking densities of gulsha fish such as 400 individuals decimal-1 , 500 individuals decimal-1 and 600 individuals decimal-1 were stocked as treatment 1 (T1), treatment 2 (T2) and treatment 3 (T3), respectively using Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with two replication of each treatment. Water quality parameters namely temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and transparency were measured at fortnightly intervals. Results showed a significant difference (p<0.05) among different treatments. From this study it was found that deterioration of water quality occurs due to increasing of stocking density. Water temperature (○C) was higher and dissolved oxygen (ppm) was lower in T3. It was observed that stocking density significantly affected the growth of gulsha fish. The higher growth rate of gulsha fish was found in low stocking density. The highest length (16.5 cm) and weight (33.5 g) were obtained in T1, whereas the lowest length (14.10 cm) and weight (21.11 g) were obtained from T3. In addition, the highest specific growth rate with maximum survival rate of gulsha fish was observed in T1. From this study, it may be concluded that lower stocking density of gulsha fish produce better production and maintaining suitable water quality in pond culture condition.