Abstract
A field trial of the semi-intensive culture of the cascadu, Hoplostemum littorale (Hancock, 1828), was conducted. Twelve thousand hatchery produced fingerlings of mean weight 2.20 ± 0.29 g were stocked into a 0.8-ha-conditioned earthen pond. Growth and condition of the fish were monitored. An experimental diet of 35% protein content was fed to the fish at the daily rate of 3% biomass. The fish were harvested after a period of 30 weeks and had a mean individual weight of 67 .2 g. The mortality rate was 54.6% and the feed conversion ratio was 3.38:1. The fish were in good condition throughout the trial as indicated by Fulton's Condition Factor. It was concluded that the field trial and the experimental diet were successful and that the commercial culture of the cascadu is indeed a possibility. The stocking rate of 15 000 fingerlings ha-1 was considered to be below optimal.
