Not AvailableTo evaluate the effects of different management systems on performances of grey mullet (Mugil cephalus L.)
fingerlings, a 120-day experimental trial was conducted in twelve brackishwater ponds (600 m2 each). Rearing
management systems assessed were: fertilization alone (FR), combined fertilization-feeding (FF), fertilizationperiphyton
(FP) and fertilization-compost application (FC) in triplicate ponds. Soaked mustard cake was used as
a fertilizer @ 100 kg ha−1 at 15-day intervals in all the treatment ponds. Formulated crumble diet containing
29.7% protein and 4.9% lipid was used as a supplementary feed in FF. Bamboo poles were used as substrates
(equivalent to 10% of pond surface area) to facilitate periphyton growth in FP and composted aquatic weed was
applied @ 500 kg ha−1 in FC at monthly intervals. Ponds were stocked with grey mullet fry (3.36 ± 0.32 g/
63.70 ± 4.61 mm) at 30,000 number ha−1. The experiment revealed significant differences in most of the
water quality parameters among the four treatments. In FP ponds, a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in inorganic
nitrogen and phosphorous, chlorophyll-a contents, and plankton population was observed. The highest
fish growth (28.39 ± 1.94 g) and survival (94.3 ± 4.2%) were recorded in FP followed by in FF, FC and FR
(P < 0.05). A significantly higher total fish biomass (P < 0.05) was obtained in FP (803 ± 29 kg ha−1)
followed by in FF (730 ± 37), FC (507 ± 33) and FR (362 ± 22). Condition factor (K) and isometric exponent
(b) of length-weight relationship indicated that fingerlings were in better condition with isometric
growth (K=1.37 ± 0.13; b =3.01 ± 0.12) in FP. Inferior condition with allometric growth was observed in
FR, FF and FC systems. These results suggest that periphyton based system can be an appropriate rearing
technique for grey mullet fingerling production in brackishwater fertilized ponds as an environment-friendly and
sustainable practice.Not Availabl
