CULTURE POTENTIALS OF STINGING CATFISH SHING (HETEROPNEUSTES FOSSILIS) UNDER DIFFERENT STOCKING DENSITIES IN NORTHERN REGION OF BANGLADESH

An experiment was undertaken in nine experimental mini ponds (each size 0.006 ha) to assess the growth performances, production potentials and highest net benefit of stinging catfish Shing, Heteropneustes fossilis for the period of seven months from June to December 2012. Three stocking densities were tested with three replications for each, viz., 1,85,000/ha (T1), 2,00,000/ha (T2) and 2,25,000/ha (T3). Physico-chemicals parameters of the pond water were within the suitable level for fish culture. After seven months, the final mean weight, SGR (% per day) and survival rate of H. fossilis in T1 were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those in T2 and T3. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly lowest in T1 (2.51±0.04) followed by T2 (3.12±0.53) and the highest in T3 (3.93±0.07). Among the treatments, significantly (P<0.05) the highest production obtained in T 1 (9,708.16±421.40), followed by T2 (7,595.99±399.59) and T3 (5,760.79±450.76 kg/ha/210 days). However, the highest net benefit was also obtained in T1 (BDT 28,35,873/ha), where the stocking density was 1,85,000/ha. Therefore, among the treatments in seven months culture of Shing (H. fossilis), individuals 1,85,000/ha stocking density would be the best recommendation for the farmers.