Stocking density of tambaqui juveniles during second growth phase in cages

Abstract

The objective of this work was to determine the adequate stocking density to second growth phase of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) juveniles in cage. Twelve cages of 1 m³ were used to stock fish in four different densities, with three replicate: 200, 300, 400 and 500 fish/m³. Fish were fed with commercial diets with 36% of crude protein six times a week, in three daily meals during 60 days. The growth in weight and in length, coefficient of variation of length, specific growth rate and glucose were analyzed at 30 and 60 days of rearing. At the end of the experiment final productivity parameters were evaluated: survival, feed conversion, weight gain and production per area. Physical-chemical parameters of water were evaluated each seven days. After 60 days, the growth in weight and length was higher in the density of 200 fish/m³ compared to the density of 500 fish/m³. The coefficient of variation of length, specific growth rate and glucose present no significant differences among the treatments at 30 and 60 days. Survival, feed conversion and weight gain were similar for all densities. The production per area was higher in the two highest densities. Results indicate that the density of 400 fish/m³ is more adequate to second growth phase of tambaqui in cage.