Comparative Study on the Growth of Stunted and Normal Fingerlings of Catla, Catla Catla Cultured in Artificial Ponds under Second Level Management

This study has proposed to determine the impact of stunt ( fingerlings under prolonged nursing) on the growth of catla, Catla catla cultured in artificial ponds with the application of manuring (maintained at second level management). This experiment was conducted for a period of ten months in three rectangular (10 × 20 = 200 m2) ponds. Ponds were connected with inlet and outlet water connection. In all the three ponds, the partition net was erected along the longitudinal mid line of the pond. This design provides identical hydro biological parameters in either side of the ponds. Pre-stocking, stocking and post stocking management procedures were adopted. Normal fingerlings were stocked in one portion of the pond and stunted fingerlings were stocked in another portion of the same pond with stocking density 1500 fingerlings / ha. Water level was maintained up to one meter height throughout the study period with once in fifteen days periodic manuring. Morphometric measurements such as total length (TL), Standard length (SL), orbital diameter (OD), body depth (BD) and body mass (BD) were measured and calculated for monthly growth rate, growth percentage, specific growth rate of TL, SL, OD, BD and BM, coefficient of condition factor and body ratio. The results revealed that the stunted fingerlings grew faster than the normal in respect of TL, SL, OD, BD and BM. Based on the results, it is inferred that the monthly growth rate of stunted catla was relatively more (statistically significant, Pt<0.01) when compared to normal if they were cultured in artificial ponds under second level management.