Productive parameters of white cachama culture, Piaractus orinoquensis, in floating cages Parámetros productivos del cultivo de cachama blanca Piaractus orinoquensis, en jaulas flotantes

Abstract

The Orinoquia region is characterized by having water bodies that are maintained throughout the year, providing fish for local consumption. Artisanal fishing constitutes the main economic activity for the livelihood of riverine communities, which are being threatened in their food security by the decrease in the fish resource due to multiple causes attributed to human activity. Therefore, production systems in floating cages, made with low-cost materials and located in natural water courses, constitute an economic alternative for these communities. The objective of this work was to evaluate the productive performance of white cachama in floating cages located in the Manacacias river, managing three densities 150, 200 and 250 fish/m³. Fingerlings were sown in cages with dimensions of 10.2 m³ (3 x 2 x 1.7 m). The fish were fed with balanced feed for 126 days. At the end of the experiment the individuals were harvested in three cages for the three densities. An average biomass by density of 47.22 kg/m³ was produced at density 45.11 kg/m³ in 200 fish/m³ and 79.65 kg/m³ at density 250. Its feed conversion was 1.1, 1.32 and 0.8, the survival of 83.51, 78.98 and 93.72 % respectively. It is concluded that cachama blanca can be cultivated in floating cages at high densities, obtaining optimal productive parameters and additionally, it can be a significant source of income for the communities.