Effect of stocking density on growth performance and survival rate of duskytail grouper (Epinephelus bleekeri) from fry to fingerling

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of stocking density on growth performance and survival rate of fingerling duskytail grouper (Epinephelus bleekeri). The initial length of frys was 1.81 ± 0.02 mm. Three treatments were designed with 3 different stocking densities, including 10; 20 and 30 ind/L. The duskytail grouper was fed rotifer, nauplius of Artemia and commercial diets (NRD, INVE, and Thailand) with three times daily until satiation for 30 days. Each density treatment was performed triplicates. As a result, the highest growth rate was obtained at the density of 20 ind/L with the final length was 10.57 mm/ind. The high survival rate (1.98%) and low coefficient of variation were achieved at the density of 20 ind/L. Thus, the optimal stocking density for fry duskytail grouper rearing was 20 ind/L to maximize growth and survival rate.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.53818/jfst.01.2022.89