Production Performance of Seabass (Lates calcarifer) Between Cage and Pond Culture System

Abstract

The present study was carried out to compare the production performance of sea bass in cages and pond culture system from July to August, 2014. The study area was located near the Panguchi River and its adjacent area at Morrelgang Upazilla of Bagerhat District. For the research work, square and rectangular cages with size was 3 m, 3m and 1 m, thus it was 9 m³ in volume were taken. The experimental ponds were rectangular in shape with size ranging from 2000 m² to 2 hectares and depth of 1.2 to 1.5 meters. The fries were collected from Koyra Upazilla of Khulna District and transported to the experimental area in an oxygenated tank by track. The seabass fry were stocked in cages at the rate of 20 m⁻². The ponds were stocked at the rate of 2 m⁻². Water quality was also monitored throughout the experimental period. The trash fish were given as feed four to two times in a day at the rate of 20-10 % of the body weight. Sampling was done every week for weight and length measurement. For each sampling 20 pieces of fish was taken. The study revealed that both cage and pond culture is favourable in our country. Again, statistical analysis of my research also showed that, cage farming of seabass gave us better growth performance in short time with great survivality than ponds. Best growth was in the cage 1 with mean value being obtained at 116.67 g. The lowest value at the last sampling was found to be 37.15g for the cage 4. From the result, it can be assumed that cage culture of seabass is more profitable over pond culture of seabass with the same treatment. This study might help to become cage farming more popular among local people of Bangladesh.