Does Stocking Density Affect Growth Performance and Hematological Parameters of Juvenile Olive Flounder Paralichthys olivaceus in a Recirculating Aquaculture System?

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Stocking density is a key factor for animal welfare in aquaculture, as it can cause stress in fish. However, a low stocking density could reduce feed competition among cultured fish, resulting in a decrease in feed intake and, consequently, productivity. To assess both animal welfare and productivity in aquaculture, the appropriate stocking density for the target species must be investigated. Based on the growth performance, hematological response, and whole-body composition results in the present study, the maximum stocking density should not exceed 23 kg/m(2) for juvenile olive flounder (60–180 g in individual weight). ABSTRACT: Olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus is a representative culture species in South Korea. Recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) have received increased attention because they can provide sustainable and environmentally friendly productivity. However, to maintain economic sustainability, the system generally requires high productivity, achieved through a high stocking density, which compromises animal welfare. The reduction in growth based on the stocking density may be due to the social hierarchy resulting from the growth suppression of subordinate individuals. Species, size, culture systems, and other management regimes can affect the social hierarchy. Therefore, a more practical approach must be taken to adjust the stocking density for a particular fish species and fish size in a specific culture system. This study investigated the effect of stocking density on juvenile olive flounder in an RAS. Juvenile olive flounder (61.0 ± 0.3 g) were initially stocked at 3.29, 4.84, 7.14, and 8.56 kg/m(2) (T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively). After 8 weeks, growth performance, in terms of feed conversion, specific growth rate, and daily feed intake rate, was measured. In addition, the blood levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), growth hormone, glucose, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and glutamic pyruvic transaminase and the whole-body composition were evaluated as stress indicators. Growth performance increased as stocking density increased, but fish at the highest stocking density showed signs of growth reduction toward the end of the experiment. In addition, as stocking density increased, IGF-1 decreased, and cortisol increased. The whole-body protein level was significantly lower in T4 compared with the other treatments. Olive flounder seemed to tolerate a stocking density up to 20.16 kg/m(2). Based on the growth performance, hematological response, and whole-body composition results in the present study, a final stocking density of 20 kg/m(2) (from the initial stocking density of 4.84–7.14 kg/m(2)) may be desirable for juvenile olive flounder in an RAS for fish weighing ~60–180 g.