Growth of milkfish (Chanos chanos) under stocking density gradients: Implications for efficiency and environmental stability in aquaculture

Andi Rahmad Rahim; Dwi Retnaningtyas Utami; Rosmarlinasiah

doi:10.22034/ijab.v14i4.2859

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Andi Rahmad Rahim
andirahmad@umg.ac.id
Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Muhammadiyah Gresik, Gresik, East Java, Indonesia.
Dwi Retnaningtyas Utami Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Muhammadiyah Gresik, Gresik, East Java, Indonesia.
Rosmarlinasiah Department of Forestry, Halu Oleo University, Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Vol. 14 No. 4 (2026): August

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June 18, 2026

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Aquaculture is a rapidly growing food production sector, and milkfish (Chanos chanos) is a key species in tropical aquaculture due to its high economic value and broad environmental tolerance. However, identifying an optimal stocking density remains a critical challenge, as excessive fish biomass can disrupt the pond's ecological balance and reduce production efficiency. This study evaluated the effects of different stocking densities on milkfish growth performance, survival, feed efficiency, and environmental conditions in pond aquaculture systems. A 60-day experiment was conducted in a semi-intensive brackishwater pond using a completely randomized design with three stocking densities (10, 20, and 30 individuals m?²), each with three replicates. Growth, survival rate, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded, while water quality parameters—including temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, transparency, and sediment redox potential—were monitored weekly. The results showed that stocking density significantly affected fish performance. The lowest density (10 individuals m?²) produced the highest growth (7.83 cm in length and 14.73 g in weight gain), survival (100%), and feed efficiency (FCR 0.68). Increasing density reduced growth and survival while increasing FCR. Higher densities were also associated with lower DO, salinity, transparency, and sediment redox potential, although temperature and pH remained relatively stable. Correlation and regression analyses indicated that DO and water transparency were the main environmental factors influencing milkfish growth, survival, and feed efficiency. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining moderate stocking densities to balance productivity and environmental stability in milkfish pond aquaculture.

Rahim, A. R., Utami, D. R., & Rosmarlinasiah. (2026). Growth of milkfish (Chanos chanos) under stocking density gradients: Implications for efficiency and environmental stability in aquaculture. International Journal of Aquatic Biology, 14(4), 69–80. https://doi.org/10.22034/ijab.v14i4.2859

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