Inappropriately high stocking density can lead to chronic stress that causes many problems in fish culture. We examined the influence of stocking density on growth performance and a number of key serum parameters of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) to investigate stress-induced changes. Salmon were reared at low-density (~7.57-15.71 kg/m 3 , initial to final density), mediumdensity (~15.12-31.11 kg/m 3 ), and high-density (~30.18-61.34 kg/m 3 ) stocking levels for 10 weeks. The results showed that stocking density had significant influence on the growth rate, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) but not on condition factor and mortality. All examined seven serum parameters showed significant change in the first few weeks. Five parameters increased in all three stocking densities, while the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities decreased. At the end of the experiment, the immunoglobulin M level and SOD activity were lowest in the high-density group (p < 0.05), while the cortisol level, ALP activity, and maleic dialdehyde content were significantly higher than in the other two groups (p < 0.05). The acid phosphatase (ACP) and lysozyme activities were not affected by stocking density. These results indicate that high stocking density could affect the growth of Atlantic salmon and the selected serum parameters, except for lysozyme and ACP, could be used as good indicators for chronic stress caused by stocking densities that are too high.