Effect of stocking densities on reproductive performance of black molly, Poecilia sphenops in cages

Abstract

The majority of hobbyists prefer low valued and attractive fish species for keeping in aquarium. Considering the nature, the fishes like molly have potential market. Such fishes are bred and cultured in controlled conditions to satisfy the market demand. Knowledge on optimal stocking density, nutritional requirements, appropriate feeding methods, water quality management and health management are prerequisite for reproduction and culture of ornamental fishes. Thus attempts were made to find out the breeding performance, larval growth and survival of black molly at different stocking densities. In the study, Brood fishes of Poecilia sphenops were reared at the different densities of 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 fishes m-2 in cages with sex ratio of 4 females: 1 male for a period of 90 days. Cages were suspended in all- glass tanks. Water level and water volume in each glass tank was maintained up to 25cm and 45L, respectively. Brood fishes were fed with flake feed containing 39.48% protein. The stocking density of 50 brood fishes m-2 in cage (0.5 x 0.2 x 0.2 m) for P. sphenops is suitable for achieving higher fry production rate.