High-density farming of striped snakehead Channa striata (bloch, 1793) in artificial tanks

The study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance of Channa striata during high-density farming in artificial tanks. The fish reached an average weight of 420.28± 30.5 g and a length of 35.07± 5.5 cm in 250 days when fed with a formulated diet. The total production was 235.5 kg from an area of 12.6 m² during 250 days. The feed conversion ratio was 1.8, and the average production cost per kg was Rs.312/Kg. Though the ammonia level was as high as 9.6-11 mg/l, a higher survival percentage of 97 was recorded. The ability of Channa striata to overcome high ammonia levels and lower oxygen levels makes it compatible with high-density farming. It can also be farmed in artificial tanks. This fish can accept formulated feed during all stages of growth. Among the various issues reported by the farmers, marketability was the primary issue.