Stocking density and feeding rate of South American catfish reared in net cages

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different stocking densities and feeding frequencies on the zootechnical and metabolic response and on the whole fish and fillet composition of juvenile South American catfish (Rhamdia quelen) cultured in net cages for 60 days. One thousand and two hundred juvenile catfish (57,48±3,34 g and 17,86±0,36 cm) were used. Fish were distributed in a completely randomized design, with a 2×2 factorial arrangement, at 50 and 150 fish m‑3 and feeding frequency once or twice a day. Both stocking density and feeding influenced neither the performance, nor the metabolic parameters. However, the interaction between the lowest density and the highest feeding frequency resulted in the lowest lipid content in the fillets. As both tested factors did not affect the growth performance, 150 fish m‑3 can be suggested as the best density together with a once‑a‑day feeding frequency.