Effects of fish density on growth and smoltification in intensive production of Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar L.)

• Published in: Aquaculture 2009-09, Vol.294 (3), p.236-241
• Main Authors: Hosfeld, Camilla Diesen, Hammer, Jannicke, Handeland, Sigurd O., Fivelstad, Sveinung, Stefansson, Sigurd O.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agnatha. Pisces; Animal aquaculture; animal growth; Animal productions; Aquaculture; Atlantic salmon; Biological and medical sciences; blood chemistry; body weight; carbon dioxide; condition factor; enzyme activity; fish culture; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; gills; Salmo salar; Salmon; smoltification; specific growth rate; Stocking density; stocking rate; Vertebrates: general zoology, morphology, phylogeny, systematics, cytogenetics, geographical distribution; Water quality
• ISSN: 0044-8486; 1873-5622
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2009.06.003

Parr of Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar) were reared at four different densities (21, 43, 65 and 86 kg fish m − 3 ) for 100 days in fresh water under conditions where equal specific flow rate was maintained in all density groups (0.3 L kg fish min − 1 ). Water quality parameters such as oxygen level, pH and CO 2 were monitored and kept within recommended values. When ready smolted the fish were transferred to seawater for a further 15 weeks. The findings suggest no negative effects on Atlantic salmon when reared at densities up to 86 kg m − 3 as long as water flow rate, water quality parameters and food rations are within the recommended standards. Maintaining sufficient food supply is important at high densities to avoid negative social interactions.