Growth Performance, Survival, and Production of Pangasius pangasius at Different Stocking Densities in Intensive Aquaculture Systems

Abstract

Stocking density represents a critical management parameter in intensive aquaculture, directly influencing growth performance, survival rates, production economics, and environmental sustainability. Determining optimal stocking density is essential for maximizing economic returns while maintaining fish welfare and environmental sustainability. This study investigated the effect of stocking density on the growth performance, survival rate, and water quality parameters of Pangasius pangasius in intensive aquaculture systems. Post-larvae of P. pangasius (PL-7 stage) with an average initial weight of 0.002 g were obtained from a registered private hatchery during August 2024. Four experimental tanks were established with stocking densities of 100, 150, 200, and 700 individuals/m³ (designated as Tank-1, Tank-2, Tank-3, and Tank-4, respectively) over a 98-day culture period. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with stocking density as the main factor. When significant differences were detected (P < 0.05), Tukey's Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test was applied for multiple comparisons. Results demonstrated that lower stocking densities significantly improved individual fish growth performance. Tank-1 (100 individuals/m³) achieved the highest final weight (27.5 ± 0.41 g), growth rate (0.85 g/week), and survival rate (93.2%), while Tank-4 (700 individuals/m³) showed the lowest values (15.1 ± 0.87 g, 0.39 g/week, and 65.7% respectively). However, total biomass production was highest in Tank-3 (200 individuals/m³) at 99.21 kg/tank. Water quality parameters remained within acceptable ranges across all treatments, though total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), nitrate, and total phosphorus increased significantly at higher densities. The study concludes that a stocking density of 100-200 individuals/m³ provides an optimal balance between individual growth and total production for P. pangasius in intensive culture systems. Optimizing fish stocking densities in culture facilities is essential for an intensive culture system because it directly affects fish growth rates and survival percentages