Putra Ali Syahbana Matondang, Usman M. Tang, Roongparit Jongjaraunsuk, Wara Taparhudee
The optimization of stocking density is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture systems. This study supports SDGs 14, namely Life Below Water, by aiming to evaluate the effects of different stocking densities on the growth performance, feed utilization, and survival rate of Asian redtail catfish (Hemibagrus nemurus) reared in a probiotic-based booster system. Fish were reared under five stocking densities: T1 (400 fish/m³), T2 (500 fish/m³), T3 (600 fish/m³), T4 (700 fish/m³), and T5 (800 fish/m³), for 42 days. Results indicated that stocking density significantly influenced all measured parameters (P<0.05). The optimal performance was achieved at a density of 700 fish/m³ (T4), which yielded the highest weight gain (WG) of 381.67 ± 4.16%, specific growth rate (SGR) of 5.90 ± 0.07%, feed efficiency (FE) of 91.68 ± 1.35%, feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.09 ± 0.02%, and survival rate (SR) of 91.67 ± 2.06%. Water quality throughout the trial remained within optimal ranges for the species with temperature of 25.9– 27.1°C, DO of 6.0– 6.8mg/ L, pH of 6.9–7.2, and ammonia-N of 0.003–0.005mg/ L. The findings demonstrate that a stocking density of 700 fish/m³ in a booster system promotes superior growth, efficient feed use, and high survival in Asian redtail catfish culture. © 2026, Egyptian Society for the Development of Fisheries and Human Health. All rights reserved.
Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Food Security, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, East Java, Surabaya, Indonesia; Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Riau University, Riau, Pekanbaru, Indonesia; Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
