Farm-scale production performance of striped murrel (Channa striata) in a recirculating aquaculture system: A one-year case study from Maggi (V), Nizamsagar (M), Telangana, India

Abstract

We documented a one-year farm-scale production cycle of striped murrel (Channa striata) in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) at Maggi Village, Nizamsagar Mandal, Telangana, India. The culture cycle extended from March 2025 to February 2026. A total of 2,200 fingerlings with an initial mean weight of approximately 20 g were stocked in a 50 m³ culture tank, corresponding to 44 fish m⁻³ and an initial biomass density of 0.88 kg m⁻³. The system incorporated mechanical solids removal, a UV chamber, a 3 hp recirculation pump, and one 2 hp blower distributing air through multiple diffusers; partial water replacement was conducted weekly. Fish received Growel floating pellets containing approximately 42% crude protein three times daily, with pellet size adjusted to fish size. Marketable biomass at the end of the cycle was approximately 1,800 kg, giving a final biomass density of 36 kg m⁻³ and a net biomass gain of 1,756 kg. At the reported apparent feed conversion ratio of 1.30, estimated feed input was 2,282.8 kg. No overt clinical disease outbreak was observed during routine monitoring. At a farm-gate price of ₹320 kg⁻¹, gross sales were approximately ₹576,000 (₹5.76 lakh). The case demonstrates the practical production potential of striped murrel in a compact RAS, while also showing that complete sustainability and profitability claims require verified water-use, energy, survival, feed-ledger, and cost data.