The influence of stocking density in the initial development of angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) was evaluated. The productive performance was evaluated by weight gain (WG) gain length (GCT), standard length gain (GCP), height gain (GH), specific growth rate (TCE), specific development rate (TDE) and survival (S). For the experiment we used a total of 300 post-larvae angelfish with initial body weight of 0.0012 g, total length of 4.11±0.93mm, initial height of 4.84±0.87mm, and average standard length of 1.54±0.25mm. These were distributed in a completely randomized design in five treatments with four replications. The treatments consisted of five different stocking densities where T1: 5 post-larvae L-1, T2: 10 post-larvae L-1, T3: 15 post-larvae L-1, T4: 20 post-larvae L-1, T5: 25 post-larvae L-1. The physical and chemical water parameters were monitored daily. The density of post-larvae 5 L-1 was the one that gave the highest growth values. However, despite the post-larvae 5 L-1 density having provided larger animals, the density underestimates the use of space compared to the final productivity of the 15 post-larvae L-1density.
ornamental fish; hatchery; intensification of cultivation
