Effects of Stocking Density and Cage Size on Growth, Feed Conversion, and Production of Rainbow Trout and Channel Catfish

Cages of 3.82 and 5.35 m³ were used in raising rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in 24-ha Crystal Lake, Arkansas. Cages were stocked with 23.4-cm trout at densities of 183, 301, and 524/m³. Neither growth nor feed conversion were affected by cage size, but both were significantly better at stocking densities of 183 and 301/m³ than at 523/m³. Rainbow trout can be successfully raised in cages at initial stocking weights of up to 45 kg/m³. For channel catfish culture, cages were stocked with 14.8-cm fish at densities of 144, 235, and 366/m³. Apparently neither growth nor feed conversion were affected by either cage size or stocking density.