Effect of some water sources on growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Grey mullet (Mugil cephalus)

Abstract

The present experiment was carried out to study the impact of water sources on cultured Nile tilapia; Oreochromis niloticus and Grey mullet; Mugil cephalus. Six earthen ponds (1 feddan for each) were used in this experiment in three different farms in the same area. Three treatments were tested in two replicates (2 ponds), therefore six ponds were stocked with O. niloticus (9000 fish/pond) and (3000 fish/pond) of Grey mullet for each pond. O. niloticus and M. cephalus fingerlings averaged 37.18, 38.14 and 36.56g for O. niloticus and 23.69, 21.89 and 22.15g for M. cephalus in weight were assigned randomly to the three treatments. The first experimental ponds group was supplied by underground water, while the second group was supplied by agricultural drainage water and finally, the third ponds group were irrigated by a mixture between underground water and drainage waste water. The growth experiment period lasted for 26 weeks and the obtained results indicated that, the third ponds group showed the best regarding health and growth of cultured fishes. Though water performance quality characteristics differ between underground water and agricultural drainage water, but both sources are considered suitable for aquaculture. And ground water and mixture between underground water and drainage water are gave the best of final weights and the highest total yields and quite safe for human consumption.