Length-Weight Relationship of Hybrid Catfish Reared at Different Stocking Densities and Feeding Levels

Background and Objective: The length-weight relationship applied in aquaculture gives in-depth knowledge about the fish’s growth and general well-being. This study examined the length-weight relationship of hybrid catfish (Heteroclarias) influenced by various stocking densities and feeding levels over 12 months. Materials and Methods: Fifteen improvised tarpaulin tanks measuring 1×1×1 m³ and filled with 250 L of water were employed for this study. The study was designed to have five different stocking densities (SD1) = 100 fish/m³, (SD2) = 75 fish/m³, (SD3) = 38 fish/m³, (SD4) = 18 fish/m³ and (SD5) = 9 fish/m³ as treatments and fed three times daily using commercial feed at 1.0 and 1.5% body weight in triplicates. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using Paleontological Statistical Software (PAST). Results: The fish under study showed positive and negative allometry. Feeding level 1.5% at SD1 showed the best values for b, a, r and r² (3.14, 2.41, 0.98 and 0.97), respectively. Feeding level 1.0% at SD5 showed the least values for b, a, r and r² (2.66,1.64, 0,89 and 0.79). Conclusion: This study, therefore, recommends high stocking density (100 fish/m³) stocking density and a feeding level of 1.5% for optimum performance and profitability of hybrid catfish under intensive culture.