Growth and Survival of Spotted Scat (Scatophagus argus) Fingerlings at Varying Stocking Densities in Brackish Water Pond

An experiment was conducted to determine the growth and survival of spotted seat (Scatophagus argus) Fingerlings at varying stocking densities in brackish water pond. The experimental animals were stocked in nine net cages installed in a concrete pond. The treatments were as follows: Treatment I (20 fingerlings/m^3), Treatment II (30 fingerlings/m^3), Treatment III (40 fingerlings/m^3), and with an average initial weight of 13.6 g. Each treatment was replicated thrice. After 60 days of culture, highest average body weight of spotted scat was obtained in Treatment II with 34.4 g, followed by Treatment III with 33.8 g and Treatment I with 30.6 g. Highest mean weight gain of spotted scat was observed in Treatment II with 20.8 g, followed by Treatment III with 20.2 g, and Treatment I with 17 g. Treatment II had the highest mean daily growth with 0.35 g/day, followed by Treatment III with 0.34 g/day and Treatment I with 0.28 g/day. In terms of survival, 100% survival rate were obtained in all treatments. Lowest Feed conversion ratio was recorded in Treatment Il (6.35), followed by Treatment III (6.41), and Treatment I (7.67). However, statistical analysis showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between treatment means in terms of average body weight, average weight gain, average daily growth, survival rate and FCR. Water quality parameter reading for dissolve oxygen range from 4.1-5.2 ppm, water temperature ranged from 29.5-31.90, pH range from 6.7-7.3, salinity range from 20.5-32.3 ppt and ammonia was 0-0.05 ppm. Water depth was maintained at 75-95cm and a yellow green color of the water indicating plankton growth. The study revealed that spotted scat fingerlings can be cultured up to 40 fingerlings/m^3 without negatively affecting growth and survival.