Standardisation of stocking density in the larviculture of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man 1879) using modified static green water system

Abstract

Stocking density of the larvae is an important factor in determining the efficiency of hatchery production of Macrobrachium rosenbergii. An experiment with five initial stocking densities viz., 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 larvae litre-1 was carried out in order to ascertain the best stocking density to be adopted in the larviculture of M. rosenbergii applying the modified static green water system in Indian scenario. The results of the present study revealed that, with an increase in the stocking density, the mortality of the larvae increased. Although a lower concentration of total ammonia nitrogen and nitrite nitrogen were recorded at lower stocking densities, an initial stocking density of 100 larvae litre-1 with the highest production of good quality post-larvae (40 ± 1.2 post-larvae litre-1) was found to be the best suited for static system. In addition, a longer rearing cycle with smaller post-larvae was recorded in the control in which larval rearing was carried out applying the clear water system when compared to all treatments in which the static green water system without water exchange or removal of waste was adopted.