Tambaqui farming in small volume cages: effects of stocking density on the biomass production

Fish farming in small floating cages is the subject of local discussions due to the possible sustainable use of the Amazon basin, alleviating poverty of people who live near lakes and rivers. "Tambaqui" is one of the main species indicated to this end because this is an omnivorous species, well accepted in the local market, whose demand grows fast due to the over-fishing around big western Amazon cities such as Manaus. However, more information about "tambaqui" farming in small volume cages is necessary to increase and advance production in this system. Therefore, we studied the effects of four stocking densities (10, 20, 30 and 40fish/m³) in "tambaqui" farming in small cages (1m³). We evaluated fish growth and number of gills parasites. The results showed clear fish biomass rise by the increase of "tambaqui" stocking density. No effect of stocking density was observed on fish individual growth, survival and number of gills parasites.

Colossoma macropomum; fish-farming; growth; parasites