Density related growth of grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (Val.) in managed small impoundments in Alabama

Growth data for grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella , in managed small impoundments were examined for density related effects. Ponds ranged in area from 0.02 to 5.0 ha; various species stocking combinations were used. Growth during the first year of life was strongly affected by density. Total standing stock increased and average size decreased with increasing density. This growth–density relationship was more variable among fish in the second year of life, primarily because of differences in availability of preferred food in different ponds. Survival tended to vary during the first year of life depending on the size at stocking but was uniformly high in the second year.