Raising economical efficiency of tilapia culture (Oreochromis sp.) by using the best stocking density in brackish water earthen pond

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of stocking density on growth and survival of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in earthen pond. Fish with 13 g initial weight examined in three treatment 3, 6 and 9 fish/m^2 in duplicates. Fish were fed on rainbow trout commercial food during the 105 days of culturing period at a restricted feeding program according to standard table during the light period. The results showed significant reduction in final weight, weight gain, daily growth rate, specific growth rate and survival by increasing stocking density while feed conversion rate increase by increasing stocking density( P < 0.05). The treatment 3 fish/m^2 resulted the best growth rate (3.24 %/day) and survival (94.8 %), and the lowest feed conversion rate (0.51). So it seems that to achievement the highest profitability in earthen pond the 3 fish/m2 treatment is suitable