Effect of stocking density on survival and growth performance of pikeperch, Sander lucioperca (L.), larvae under controlled conditions

Abstract

The effect of stocking density on the survival and growth of pikeperch, Sander lucioperca (L.), larvae was examined in two consecutive experiments. In experiment I, 4-day-old larvae [body wet weight (BW): 0.5 mg; total body length (TL): 5.6 mm] were reared in 200-l cylindro-conical tanks in a closed, recirculating system (20 ± 0.5°C) at three stocking densities (25, 50 and 100 larvae l -1 ) and fed a mixed feed (Artemia nauplii and Lansy A2 artificial feed) for 14 consecutive days. At densities of 25 and 100 larvae l -1 , growth rate and survival ranged from 2.7 to 1.9 mg day -1 and from 79.2 to 72.3%, and fish biomass gain ranged from 0.6 to 2.0 g l -1 , respectively. There were two periods of increased larval mortality: the first was at beginning of exogenous feeding and the second during swim bladder inflation. In experiment II, 18-day-old larvae (BW: 35 mg; TL: 15.6 mm) obtained from experiment I were reared under culture conditions similar to those of experiment I, but at lower stocking densities (6, 10 and 15 larvae l -1 ). The fish were fed exclusively with artificial feed (trout starter) for 21 consecutive days. At densities of 6 and 15 larvae l -1 , the growth rate and fish biomass gain ranged from 28.8 to 23.1 mg day -1 and from 2.0 to 3.3 g l -1 , respectively. The highest survival (56.5%) was achieved at a density of 6 larvae l -1 . Mortality at all densities was mainly caused by cannibalism II type behaviour (27-35% of total). In both experiments, growth and survival were negatively correlated and fish biomass gain positively correlated with stocking densities.

Mortality structures population size characteristics of juvenile yellowtail kingfish Seriola lalandi reared at different densities

“…Most studies investigating the effect of conspecific density include the cannibalism phase (e.g. Hecht et al 1996, Sakakura et al 1998, Baras et al 2003, Fessehaye et al 2006, Szkudlarek & Zakęś 2007, Kotani et al 2009); and therefore are not directly comparable with the present study.The larval and juvenile mortality rates observed in the present study (approximately 5 to 12% d -1 ) were in the lower range of that reported to occur in the wild for marine pelagic fish (Houde 2002). At the end of the trial there was considerable variation in median weight and mortality within and between treatments, and the mortality rate was so variable that the relative density differences between treatments diminished completely.…”

Effects of stocking density on growth of zebrafish (Danio rerio, Hamilton, 1822)

“…They stocked 10 matured zebra fish per liter of water. Szkudlarek and Zakes (2007) found survival rate which ranged from 79.2 to 72.3% in pikeperch, Sander lucioperca larvae under controlled conditions when stocked at 6, 10 and 15 individuals per liter. The result of length gain is almost similar to weight gain.…”

Intracohort cannibalism and methods for its mitigation in cultured freshwater fish

“…A proportional increase in cannibalistic behaviour resulting from rising stock density and an increase in mortality, as a result, has been observed, for instance, in pike (Esox lucius) (Kucharczyk et al 1998), pikeperch (Szkudlarek and Zakȩś 2007), European perch (Baras et al 2003) and African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) larvae (Solomon and Udoji 2011). For these species, it is suggested to rear larvae initially at higher stock densities and then to reduce the stock proportionally ).…”