Influence of Nutrient-Rich Waters on Length and Weight of the Body of Indian Major Carp Labeo rohita (Hamilton)

Abstract

Growth is a fundamental biological process influenced by various environmental and nutritional factors. Environmental factors, specifically water quality and nutrient availability, significantly impact the growth performance of Labeo rohita (Rohu), a species of freshwater fish commonly cultivated in India. This study examines how the growth rate of Labeo rohita at three developmental stages—fry, fingerling, and adult—is affected by various nutrient-based water sources, including canal water, bore water, and mixed water (bore water mixed with black cotton soil). Over a specified period, growth was measured regarding wet weight gained (WWG%) and total length gained (TLG%). According to the results, mixed water significantly accelerated growth at every stage: TLG increased by 30% in fry, 32% in fingerlings, and 7.5% in adults.

In contrast, bore water showed significantly negative deviations in TLG% and the least growth across all stages. The improved performance in mixed water indicates that adding black cotton soil enhances the nutrient content, potentially adding organic matter and vital minerals that support fish growth. Despite being widely used in aquaculture, bore water may not contain these nutrients, limiting the growth potential. Furthermore, the study aligns with nutritional principles, indicating that proteins and fats are the primary energy sources for fish, while carbohydrates play a minimal role when the former are sufficiently available.Overall, this study highlights how crucial it is to optimize the nutrient composition and water quality in aquaculture systems to increase fish productivity. Incorporating soil-based amendments, like black cotton soil, into water sources could enhance carp farming growth results and, eventually, promote sustainable aquaculture methods.