Hapa-based Rearing of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromicniloticus L.) Fry Using Different Stocking Densities

Abstract

The study highlighted the effect of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry reared in hapa-based method using three different stocking densities of 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 pieces per 2 m3nursery hapa. The study was designed to determine the survival rate of the Nile Tilapia (O. niloticus) fingerlings; determine the size distribution rate of Nile Tilapia (O. niloticus) fingerlings; and the water quality parameters (D.O and water temperature) that may affect the survival rate and size distribution rate of Nile Tilapia (O. niloticus) fingerlings. A total of 18,000 pieces fry were used in the study which were randomly divided into 3 treatments. Each treatment was replicated thrice. The fry was fed using locally-available commercial feeds (48% crude protein)at a feeding rate of 30% throughout the 21-day rearing period. Based on the results, T I obtained the highest mean of 63.3 (±4.4) compared to T II, 48.7 () and TIII, 34.7 (±3.3). It is observable that the lower stocking density, the higher the survival rate gain. Supporting this finding is the result obtained by Hecht et al., (1996)in which lower stocking density attained the higher survival rate. The study shows the result on the size distribution of fingerlings using the size graders of #24, #22 and #17. Based on the results, values obtained were comparable across treatment groups which ranged from 3.5-32.4 in in size 24; 43.3-53.3 in size 22; and 17.5-53.2 in size 17. Despite the difference in the values, no significant differences were observed across 3 treatments. The study intended to explain the issues relating to the stocking density of fish in relation with health of the fish, as well as explaining how research has generated an understanding of the issues and how that understanding has been turned into productive farming practices.