Effects of Stocking Density on Production and Economics of All-Male Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Culture in a Rain Fed Rice-Fish Ecosystem

Abstract

Effects of stocking density on the growth, production, and economics of all-male tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were investigated in a rain-fed rice-fish ecosystem for a period of 120 days. Fish were stocked at the rate of 4000, 5000, and 6000 ha⁻¹ in treatments T₁, T₂, and T₃, respectively. Water quality was suitable for fish culture. Significantly higher growth was observed in T₁ as compared to other treatments. SGR ranged from 1.26 to 1.51. Survival varied between 79% and 88% with treatment T₁ producing the highest survival. The highest benefit:cost ratio was obtained in T₂ followed by T₁ and T₃. The best fish production (457.21 kg ha⁻¹) and economic return for the culture period was obtained at 5000 fish ha⁻¹.

KEYWORDS:

• Stocking density
• all male tilapia
• rain fed ecosystem
• total biomass
• economic returns