Tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus) is currently exploited regionally as food and commercialized in the aquarium trade. Natural populations of A. tropicus may already be negatively affected by anthropogenic alteration of the areas in which it is distributed. However, it is necessary to deepen the knowledge for the optimization of its culture. A. tropicus cultured in three stocking densities: 100, 200, and 300 ind m-3 (D4, D8, and D12, respectively) were used in the present study to examine the effect on growth, survival, and condition factor. At the end of the eight-week trial, D4 was statistically superior in weight, length, and SGR compared to D12. While D8 was statistically similar to D4 and D12 in weight and length. There were no significant differences in the survival and condition of the fish. The optimum density in the production systems generates the optimal use of resources and the increase in the profitability of the system. Based on the results, it is recommendable a stocking density of 200 fish m-3 for an increase in the profitability of the culture infrastructure for its production as food or ornamental purposes.
The present study aimed to test the effect of three stocking densities: 100, 200, and 300 ind m-3 (D100, D200, and D300, respectively) on survival, growth (weight and total length), and condition factor of Microphis brachyurus. At the end of the six-week trial, there were no significant differences in the fish's survival, growth, and condition. The results suggest that this species presents high adaptability under culture conditions. A suboptimal stocking density generates a suboptimal use of infrastructure and decreases the production system's profitability. Based on the present study, a stocking density of 300 ind m-3 is recommended to increase the aquaculture infrastructure's profitability for ornamental or conservation purposes.
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