Effects of Stocking Density on Third-Year Growth of Largemouth Bass,Micropterussalmoides, Fed Prepared Diets in Ponds

Abstract

Largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, with an average weight of 383 g were stocked into six 0.04-ha ponds at stocking densities of either 3,750 or 7,500 fish/ha. Fish were fed a custom-formulated floating diet, containing 44% protein, for 334 days, once daily to satiation at water temperatures >5_C and twice weekly at <5_C. At final harvest, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in average individual weight, percentage weight gain, feed conversion ratio, or survival of bass stocked at the two densities. Total yield and total production of fish were significantly greater (P < 0.05) for bass stocked at the higher density (3,909 kg/ha and 1,040 kg/ha, respectively) than for bass stocked at the lower density (1,758 kg/ha and 341 kg/ha, respectively). Averaged over the study period, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in total ammonia-nitrogen (TAN), nitrite-nitrogen, or un-ionized ammonia concentrations in ponds in which bass were stocked at the two densities. These data indicate that largemouth bass, of the size used in this study, are amenable to pond culture at densities of at least 7,500 fish/ha and that higher stocking densities may be possible or even advantageous. [Article copies available for a fee fromThe Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678.

Feasibility of Pond Production of Largemouth Bass,Micropterus salmoides, for a Filet Market

“…However, these density effects were found only at the highest density evaluated in the study. Similar to Tidwell et al (, ), no differences were found in mean harvest weight between the two lower densities of 6175 and 12,350 fish/ha. FCR values measured in this study were similar to those reported for second year LMB at 12,350 fish/ha (2.3; Tidwell et al ), but differed from those reported in the studies of Kubitza and Lovshin () and Tidwell et al (), where FCR was consistent at all densities.…”

“…Tidwell et al () measured weight gains of 282–283 g in a 365‐d trial, for growth rates of 0.77–0.78 g/d at densities of 6250–12,500 fish/ha. Tidwell et al () found growth rates of 0.40 and 0.52 g/d at stocking densities of 3750 and 7500 fish/ha, respectively. Kubitza and Lovshin () observed growth rates for food‐sized LMB of 1.47 g/d at a density of 2470 fish/ha and 1.16 g/d at a higher density of 7410 fish/ha.…”

Evaluation of Stocking Density during Second‐Year Growth of Largemouth Bass, Micropterus salmoides, Raised Indoors in a Recirculating Aquaculture System

“…Tidwell et al () evaluated the stocking density of LMB in ponds and determined no difference in weight gain for fish stocked at either 6175/ha or 12,350/ha. Petit et al () compared juvenile LMB growth and size variation in aquaria stocked at different densities.…”

“…In size variability analysis, there were no significant differences (P < 0.05) for condition factor or among coefficient of variation (for total body length, body weight, condition factor). Tidwell et al (1998) evaluated the stocking density of LMB in ponds and determined no difference in weight gain for fish stocked at either 6175/ha or 12,350/ha. Petit et al (2001) compared juvenile LMB growth and size variation in aquaria stocked at different densities.…”