The effect of stocking density on the larviculture of Pimelodus maculatus post-larvae was evaluated. The experiment was conducted at the Sao Carlos hatchery (EPISCar), SC. Post-larvae were daily fed zooplankton at the rate of 300 organisms/post-larvae/day at the following densities: T1. 5 post-larvae/L; T2. 15 post-larvae/L; and T3. 30 post-larvae/L. Survival rates were evaluated on the third and fifth day of the experiment. After three days, density did not affect survival rates; however, on the fifth day survival rate was higher for the lowest density. Average survival rates at the end of the experiment were 35.6, 28.9 and 20.6% for T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Post-larvae average weight was also higher at the lowest density, but average length did not differ significantly among treatments. At density of 30 post-larvae/L, post-larvae survival rate was the lowest, but final productivity was the highest.
stocking density; larviculture; yellow mandi; Pimelodus maculatus; post-larvae
