A Case Study on Channa striata Farming Practices for Sustainable Aquaculture Development in Dharpally Village, Nizamabad District, Telangana, India

Abstract

Striped murrel (Channa striata) is a high-value freshwater fish with growing interest among farmers seeking alternatives to conventional carp-based aquaculture. This paper evaluates an eight-month grow-out cycle carried out in Dharpally Village, Nizamabad District, Telangana, using farm production and cost records. The earthen pond measured 120 ft × 100 ft with an average water depth of 5 ft, giving a surface area of 12,000 ft² (1,114.84 m²) and an estimated water volume of 1,699 m³. A total of 3,500 fingerlings measuring 2–3 inches were stocked. Mortality during the cycle was reported as 500 fish, corresponding to an estimated survival rate of 85.71%. Commercial Stella and Phai feeds were used, with pellet size increased from 1.2 to 8 mm as the fish grew. Eighty 40-kg bags were consumed, equivalent to 3,200 kg of feed. Against a harvested biomass of 2,500 kg, the calculated feed conversion ratio was 1.28, closely matching the farm-reported value of 1.3. Water was exchanged weekly and pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and temperature were monitored. Recorded values included pH 8.6, dissolved oxygen 6 mg/L, nitrate 0.25 mg/L and ammonia below 0.25 mg/L. Gross revenue from 2,500 kg sold at ₹270/kg was ₹675,000. Using the farm ledger total of ₹546,645, net operating return was ₹128,355 and return on investment was 23.48%. Feed accounted for 79.65% of recorded expenditure. The production cycle shows that pond-based C. striata culture can provide a viable high-value enterprise under local conditions, but profitability depends strongly on feed efficiency, survival, water management and accurate farm records.