Effect of Stocking Density on Growth Performance of Juvenile Gibel Carp (<i>Carassius gibelio</i>) and Economic Profit of Land-Based Recirculating Aquaculture System

Abstract

The land-based recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) has been widely applied to fish farming as a new eco-friendly culture model. This system consists of circular culture tanks on land integrated with water treatment and recycling systems. This study investigated the growth performance of juvenile gibel carp (Carassius gibelio) cultured at high stocking density (HSD, 0.3 kg/m3) and low stocking density (LSD, 0.15 kg/m3) conditions in RAS, and evaluated the comprehensive economic profit of RAS. The body weight, body length, weight gain rate, and condition factor of gibel carp in the LSD group were significantly higher than those in the HSD group (p p p ub, psma2, and mafbx, were significantly expressed in the HSD group, while the s6k1 expression was elevated in the LSD group (p keap1 and hsp70 in the dorsal muscle were significantly higher in the HSD group (p 2−-N) content was higher in the HSD group. Compared to the LSD group, the return on investment was significantly lower in the HSD group. In conclusion, the water quality and growth rates of juvenile gibel carp were better in the LSD group. An appropriate stocking density improved the growth performance and aquaculture economic efficiency.

Keywords

• recirculating aquaculture system
• stocking density
• fish growth
• economic profit