Abstract

The present study was carried out for about 90 days to evaluate the effect of rice cum fish culture on the productivity and the health status of Nile tilapia under the Egyptian environment. The experimental field was stocked with about 1000 fingerlings / feddan of 4.33 g body weight and the initial length was about 5.73 cm. Fish were fed a balanced diet at a rate of 3% of the fish biomass. Results indicated that there was decrease in growth parameters of tilapia and survival rate by 50-60%. On the other hand, the clinical investigations revealed skin darkening, congestion hemorrhage, erosions or ulcers. Eyes discoloration and cloudiness. Ragged or torn fins and raised scales. Internally, the abdomen was enlarged and distended filled with many nematodes. Bulging of gill covers due to parasitic infestation by Clinostomum cysts was also seen. Meanwhile, what could be promising is the propagation of fry till the stage of fingerlings, then collected and transported to fish farms satisfying the need for such size.

Key words: Fish-rice culture-nutrition-growth- performances -diseases