Common carp in floating net cage culture

Abstract

The main objective of this experiment was to determine the optimal density or stocking rate for the optimal total production and growth rate of common carp, Cyprinus carpio . A raft of 10 x 10 m made of steel bars with drums as floaters was divided into nine plots. A cage of polyethylene 3 x 3 x 2 m, 1 inch mesh size was hung in every plot. About three fourths of the cage was under water. Three stages of stocking rate of common carp of about 130 g individual weight were used: 2 kg/m², 4 kg/m² and 6 kg/m². The experimental Latin Square design was used. Artificial fish food (pellet) containing about 32 percent crude protein was given five times a day. Fish were fed to satiation. Morphometrical and limnological data were measured every 14 days. Individual growth and actual rations were calculated daily. As a result of this experiment, common carp culture is floating net cages with a stocking rate of 6 kg/m² is recommended.