EFFECT OF STOCKING DENSITY ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF JUVENILE OF THE BLACKSTRIPE CICHLID Vieja fenestrata (CICHLIFORMES: CICHLIDAE)

Abstract

<p class="18AbstractandKeywords"><span class="Ninguno"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Background:</span></strong></span><span class="Ninguno"><span lang="EN-US"> Native fish species are a developing alternative for sustainable aquaculture worldwide and in Mexico, the southern region is leading the efforts in freshwater species. <strong>Objective:</strong> To assess the effect of different stocking densities on the productive performance of native fish juveniles of blackstripe cichlid (<em>Vieja fenestrata</em>).<em> </em><strong>Methodology:</strong> A one-factor randomized experimental design was used, evaluating in triplicate four stocking densities, 0.5 (L), 2 (M), 4 (H) and 6 (S) juvenile L<sup>-1</sup>. The experiment lasted 30 days. Wet weight and total length were registered every 15 days and growth performance indices were obtained. <strong>Results:</strong> Growth and survival were superior (P<0.05) for densities L and M. However, the M density showed a higher (P<0.05) growth rate, weight gain, and condition factor. <strong>Implications:</strong> The stocking density showed an apparent effect on the growth and survival of juveniles of the blackstripe cichlid, with the M density showing the best results; however, a cost-benefit assessment is required before starting production of this tropical native species. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Our results suggest that a territorial and/or food competition was probably responsible for the survival and growth obtained. Although more studies are required, it appears that <em>Vieja fenestrata</em> showed the typical patrons of behaviour of another most famous cichlids, as Nile tilapia, with high levels of aggression that depend on stoking density. </span></span></p>