REARING OF LABEO BATA IN SEWAGE-FED FISH CULTURE POND

Abstract

Lq,beo bata is a highly priced fish which commanding good consumer
preference, even if the size is very small (15 to 20 g each), especially in
West Bengal. With a view to evaluating the culture potential of this fish,
repeated experiments were conducted at the Wastewater Aquaculture
Division of the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture. Rahara, West
Bengal, during 1991-93 in ponds fed with treated domestic sewage effluent.
An average production of 1270.63 kg per ha was obtained within 6 to 10
months for a uniform stocking density of 50,000 seed per ha. The average
size attained by the fish in the different sets of experiments varied from
23.3 to 37.9 g as against the initial weight of 0.096 to 0.193 g. Details of
management, growth, survival, quantity of sewage used and pond nutrient
status and productivity are dealt with in this communication.