The objective of this study was to determine the stocking density of matrinxã (Brycon orthotaenia) in cages, considering the productive performance. Juvenile Brycon orthotaenia (n = 5280) were distributed in 16 cages of 4m³ at densities of 45, 70, 95 and 120 fish m-3. The fish were fed with commercial feed with 40% crude protein during all experimental period. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and linear regression to estimate the best fit using 5% probability. The production parameters such as survival, initial weight, final weight, feed conversion and specific growth rate were not influenced by stocking density, as well as the parameters of water quality. However, final biomass, biomass gain and feed intake showed a positive linear relationship with stocking density. Evaluating these results, it was concluded that the stocking density of matrinxã (Brycon orthotaenia) up to 120 fish m-3 represent the best productive performance.
aquaculture; intensive system; São Francisco river
