ARS | Publication request: EFFECT OF STOCKING RATE ON POND PRODUCTION OF PLAMETTO BASS (FEMALE MORONE SAXATILIS X MALE CHRYSOPS) AND SUNSHINE BASS (FEMALE M. CHRYSOPS X MALE M. SAXATILIS)

Submitted to: Journal of the World Aquaculture Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 1, 1998
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The effect of stocking rate on production of sunshine bass and palmetto bass was examined under conditions of minimal aeration and water exchange in 0.04 ha freshwater ponds in Arkansas, USA. Three growth phase were studied: fingerlings, stocked at 49,420, 74,130, and 98,840 fish/ha, between Aug. 1990 and Nov. 1990; fish restocked at 1,236, 2,471, and 4942 fish/ha Dec. 1990 to Apr. 1991, and Apr. to Dec. 1991. Treatments were replicated three times. Palmetto bass harvested Nov. 1990 had higher net production (1,479 kg/ha) at the highest stocking rate as a result of obtaining a higher average individual weight (25 g). Survival (avg. = 90.8%) was similar in all treatments. Both hybrids in the lowest stocking rate had the highest weights and conditions but the lowest feed conversions. Few differences between hybrids were found at the April 1991 harvest. Survival averaged 96.8% and food conversions 1.8. By Dec. 1991, after growout, sunshine bass yielded the most total and net weight. Total production ranged from 563 kg/ha to 1,982 hg/ha. Pond weight of sunshine bass in the 2,471/ha treatment increased 1,075% and individual weight reached 482 g at the lowest stocking rate. Survival averaged 98.2% and food conversion 2.3 for all treatments. Growth was highest during late spring and early autumn for both hybrids. Under conditions of minimal aeration and water exchange, both hybrids reached near market size and offer high potential for commercial culture in the south-central USA.