Growth rates and weight-lenght relationship of Ictalurus punctatus and Pangasius hypophthalmus catfishes in commercial experimental conditions

Abstract

Growth rates (weight and length) of two Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and one Basa (Pangasius hypophthalmus), populations were asessed and growth-length relationship were estimated under commercial-experimental conditions. By using initial and final weights, and furcal lengths of fish; absolute, relative and specific growth rates were estimated. Double logarithmic regression models were fitted to estimate a and b parameters. Additionally, Fulton condition factor (K) was estimated. Results indicated that Local Channel catfish has better performance than Introduced population. Basa has the best growth performance (P<0.05) under conditions of the experiment. Parameter b, suggested an isometric growth in Channel catfish and slightly negative allometric growth in Basa population. K values indicated acceptable-good conditions of fishes, more favorable for Basa population. Some implications of results for catfish production and introduction of Basa are discussed.