Optimizing stocking density for enhanced growth and production performance of <i>Ompok pabda</i> using the biofloc system

This experiment evaluated the effects of different stocking densities (300, 400, and 500 fish m−3) in T1, T2, and T3 on growth and production performance of Ompok pabda in a biofloc system over a culture period of 120 days. The highest mean final weight was recorded in T1 (28.10 ± 0.56 g), followed by T2 (26.15 ± 1.12 g) and T3 (24.17 ± 0.37 g). The feed conversion ratio was significantly lowest in T1 (0.95), compared with T2 (1.26) and T3 (1.52). Survival rates were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in T1 (91.51%) than in T2 (76.94%) and T3 (63.11%). Proximate composition analysis revealed that O. pabda cultured in the biofloc system had higher protein and lipid contents and lower microbial counts than those of naturally raised O. pabda. Water-quality parameters remained largely consistent across treatments, except for significantly higher (p < 0.05) dissolved oxygen and lower conductivity and total dissolved solids observed in T1 than in T2 and T3. Net yield and benefit–cost ratio were significantly highest in T1, followed by T2 and T3. In comparison with other stocking densities, 300 fish m−3 stocking density yielded the most favorable results for the biofloc culture of O. pabda.