Effect of stocking density on growth and survival of Clarias batrachus (Linn.) larvae and fry during hatchery rearing

Experiments were conducted to determine optimum stocking density for Clarias batrachus larvae and fry during hatchery rearing. The increase in stocking density decreased the total weight, specific growth rate (SGR) and percent weight gain of Clarias larvae during a 13-day experiment. Survival rate was highest at a stocking density of 1000 m(-2) and lowest at 5000 m(-2). Stocking density did not influence the total biomass production of larvae. Clarias batrachus fry performance was studied during a 28-day hatchery rearing experiment whereby fry stocked at a density of 100 m(-2) attained the highest total body weight (P<0.05). The survival rate greatly declined to 59-61% by a density increase to 300 m(-2) and above. Stocking density influenced growth and survival of C. batrachus larvae and fry during hatchery rearing. The best performance was obtained when larvae were stocked at 2000 m(-2); survival was highest with C. batrachus fry stocked at 200 m(-2).