Studies on the effect of stocking density on growth performance and survival of shrimp (Penaeus monodon) in grow out ponds

The present study was made to find out the favorable stocking density of Penaeus monodon in semi intensive (SI) shrimp culture system grow out ponds. The research work was conducted in FAHIM AQUA PARK, Shrimp Farm, Bemarta Union at sadar Upazilla, under Bagerhat district in Bangladesh. In grow out pond, Peneaus monodon healthy juveniles of average size 0.93 ± 0.04 g were stocked at three (10 m2, 20 m2 and 30 m2) densities for a period of 120 days. Artificial feed (CP Feed) was distributed evenly four times daily. After the experimental period of 120 days estimated productions were (468.61 ± 19.02) and (778.97 ± 8.17) g/m2 from low and high stoking densities respectively. Shrimps attained a final mean body weight of (48.95 ± 4.51), (37.42 ± 6.13) and (30.08 ± 5.07) g in T1 (10 m2), T2 (20 m2) and T3 (30 m2) respectively. The highest survival rate (97.60 ± 1.27%) was obtained from low stoking density of T1 (10 m2) compared to T3 (30 m2). Higher specific growth rate (3.29 ± 0.07%) and low feed conversion ratio (1.37 ± 0.12) were found in the low stocking density of T1 (10 m2). Individual growth performance, survival indicates effectively negative relation with stocking density.