GROWTH PERFORMANCE, FEED UTILIZATION, SURVIVAL AND BODY COMPOSITION OF RABBITFISH SIGANUS CANALICULATUS RAISED AT TWO DIFFERENT STOCKING DENSITIES IN SEA NET CAGES

Abstract

Over a period of 213-day, the effect of two stocking densities (8 and 12 fish/m3) on the performance of the rabbitfish, Siganus canaliculatus (3.38g ±0.14) in floating cage nets was tested. The results of the study revealed no differences (p < 0.05) in the growth performance and survival of the two groups. Comparatively, the fish group under the higher stocking density (12 fish/m3) exhibited a lower survival rate. The values of feed intake, feed utilization efficiency and final body composition for both treatments did not differ significantly (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the study suggested the possibility of applying higher stocking density in commercial rabbitfish farming. However, more studies are needed on the effects of high stocking densities on fish survival.