Analysis of growth performance and benefits of a high density catfish Clarias gariepinus Burchell culture in biofloc system

The aim of the study was to determine the growth performance and calculation of business profit of catfish in various densities using biofloc system. Catfish fingerlings, 8±0.2 g each, were used in this research. There were three treatments in various densities, i.e. P1: 1,100; P2: 1,200 and P3: 1,300 fingerlings/m3. After 4 months observation, the results showed that growth performance regression from P1, P2, and P3 was Y (P1) = 7.66 + 30.7 X (r2 = 0.971); Y (P2) = 7.45 + 23.6 X (r2 = 0.996) and Y (P3) = 6.5 + 23.63 X (r2 = 0.996), respectively. The P1 harvest time was achieved within 3 months; while P2 and P3 were 4 months. Total yield/tank in P1, P2 and P3 were 297.00, 295.29 and 309.52 kg, respectively. The calculation of business profit per tank per month of P1, P2 and P3 were 626,784.17; 399,058.77 and 351,793.65 IDR (Indonesian Rupiah), respectively. Meanwhile, result of R/C ratio of P1, P2 and P3 were 1.60, 1.5 and 1.4, respectively. Since the calculation of R/C ratios were ≥ 1, this culture method is considered feasible as a business.