544 High-Density Farming of Striped Snakehead Channa Striata (Bloch, 1793) in Artificial Tanks Vikas P A, Sanal Ebeneezar and Shinoj Subramannian ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Ernakulam), Scientist, ICAR CMFRI, Kochi, ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research, Institute, Narakkal, Kochi, Kerala - 682 505 ABSTRACT The study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance of Channa striata during high- density farming in artificial tanks. The fish reached an average weight of 420.28± 30.5 g and a length of 35.07± 5.5 cm in 250 days when fed with a formulated diet. The total production was 2 235.5 kg from an area of 12.6 m during 250 days. The feed conversion ratio was 1.8, and the average production cost per kg was Rs.312/Kg. Though the ammonia level was as high as 9.6-11 mg/l, a higher survival percentage of 97 was recorded. The ability of Channa striata to overcome high ammonia levels and lower oxygen levels makes it compatible with high-density farming. It can also be farmed in artificial tanks. This fish can accept formulated feed during all stages of growth. Among the various issues reported by the farmers, marketability was the primary issue. Key Words: Artificial tanks, Channa striata, Formulated feed, Growth performance, High- density farming, Water quality. INTRODUCTION Channa striata is a benthopelagic fish species commonly found in wetlands, freshwater ponds, lakes, reservoirs, canals, swamps, etc. It is endemic to India and Southeast Asian countries. Channa striata is a nutritious fish since its flesh is abundant with bioactive albumin, amino acids (glycine, lysine, arginine), and fatty acid (arachidonic acid 20:4n-6) (Kumar et al, 2022; Vikas et al, 2014; Vikas, 2023). The flesh of Channa striata possesses wound-healing ability, involves antinociception, gastroprotection, and disease resistance, and acts as an excellent antioxidant agent (Musa et al, 2022). Nutritional superiority and fleshy meat having less intramuscular spines enhance consumer demand. Channa striata can survive in harsh environments with low dissolved oxygen and ammonia high due to air-breathing ability (Chitra et al, 2020). They do air-breathing with the support of the supra branchial organ above the gills (Kumar 2020 There is increased ). demand for farm-produced Channa striata as availability from natural grounds became less due to overfishing, destruction of natural breeding grounds by reclamation of wetlands and other natural water bodies, etc. (Chitra et al, 2020). Since the tropical climatic conditions are ideal for Channa striata farming, there is a massive scope for its culture. High fat and protein are required in their feed since they are typically carnivores and hunt small fishes, insects, tadpoles, frogs, and crustaceans. The non-availability of pellet-weaned seed is a limitation in promoting Channa striata farming. The present study aims to evaluate the growth performance of Channa striata in artificial tanks when fed with a formulated diet. MATERIALS AND METHODS A high-density polyethylene (HDPE) lined tank of 4 m diameter supported by a galvanized iron (GI) frame was used for the study. A water depth of 0.3 m to 1.2 m was maintained during the culture. A continuous water-circulating multi-stage filtration unit continuously removed suspended particles and dissolved ammonia. The slurry and wastewater were sucked from the tank bottom and charged at the rate of 16000 L per hour into the first stage 3 filter- containing nylon nets packed to 200 kg/m J Krishi Vigyan 2024, 12(3) : 544-549 J Krishi Vigyan 2024, 12(3) : 544-549 Corresponding Author's Email - vikaspattath@gmail.com DOI : 10.5958/2349-4433.2024.00096.0