The Effect of Different Stock Densities on the Growth of Bristlenose Pleco, Ancistrus multispinis (Regan, 1912) Fry

This study examined the growth performance of bristlenose pleco (Ancistrus multispinis) fry raised at five different stocking densities. For this purpose, five experimental groups were formed, each consisting of three replicates: 1 fry/L (d1), 2 fry/L (d2), 4 fry/L (d4), 6 fry/L (d6), and 8 fry/L (d8). The experiment used fry produced in the laboratory, with average initial live weights of 0.0275 ± 0.004 g and average total lengths of 1.46 ± 0.049 cm. The study lasted a total of 90 days. At the end of the experiment, the number of live fry in each group was recorded, and weight and length measurements were taken. According to these measure-ments, the average length of the fry in the 1 fry/L group (d1) was 3.1 cm, and the average weight was 0.321 g, while in the 8 fry/L group (d8), the length was found to be 2.8 cm, and the weight was 0.249 g. The size differences between groups were examined, and it was found that the d1 group showed statistically signifi-cant differences when compared to the other groups. The data obtained indicate that fry of A. multispinis grew more in lower stocking densities, such as 1 fry/L, compared to other groups. Based on these results, it can be said that utilizing lower stocking densities, such as 1 fry/L, is advantageous in the growth of A. multis-pinis fry.