Survival, growth and production of Penaeus monodon Fabricius at different stocking densities in earthen ponds with flow-through system and supplemental feeding.

Abstract

Penaeus monodon juveniles (P₅₃-P₅₄, 0.45 g) were stocked in 200 m² earthen ponds with water exchange rate of 5-10% daily, and reared for 3.5 months. Stocking density levels of 2.5, 5.0, 10 and 20 prawns/m² were designated as treatments A, B, C and D, respectively. Pelletized formula feed was given daily from the second week of stocking at 10% of biomass and was reduced bi-weekly by 1% to a final rate of 5% of biomass.

Significantly, high survival was achieved in treatment A, 98.6% followed by B, 95.3%; D, 87.6% and C, 86.5% (P < 0.05). The final average body weight obtained varied inversely with stocking density. Mean body weight for treatments A and B were significantly higher than those of treatments C and B. Results also showed significant differences among all paired means of the final weights except between treatments C and D.