Stocking density for optimum production of <i>Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus</i> (Lacépède, 1803) fingerlings in pond

Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus is a fish of great commercial value, highly valued by consumers. As a result, it is heavily exploited and could disappear if nothing is done. Its domestication is essential for its conservation and the diversification of fish farming. One of the keys to domesticating a fish species is determining its stocking density. Objective of the study here, C. nigrodigitatus fingerling with an initial average weight of 9.47±0.4 g collected from the natural environment were used in the present study. They were randomly distributed in tanks at increasing stocking densities (100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 fingerlings/m3 ) and each density was tested in triplicate. Gouessant commercial food (Crude Protein 42%, Crude Fat 11%) was used to feed the fingerlings. The test lasted 42 days. At the end of the experiment, zootechnical parameters and the use of food varied significantly with stocking density (P < 0.05). The best rates of specific growth (2.26±0.03%/d) and food conversion ratio (0.83±0.01) were obtained with a stocking density of 200 fingerlings/m3 . However, the best production was obtained with a stocking density of 300 fingerlings/m3 of C. nigrodigitatus. This density ensures optimum growth, high economic profitability and sustainable exploitation.