Two nursery trials were conducted in 0.I-ha ponds to examine effects of density on production of juvenile reciprocal cross hybrid striped bass (female Marone chrysops x male M. saxatilis). In 1986, 1.4-g hybrids were stocked at 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 fishlha. In 1987, 1.7-g hybrids were stocked at 12,500, 25,000, and 37,500 fishlha. During the studies, the fish were fed a commercial trout feed (38% protein) several times per day. Aeration and water exchange were provided to maintain satisfactory oxygen levels. After approximately 280 days, fish were harvested. At harvest fish ranged from 165-195 g in mean size, except those stocked at 5,000/ha which were significantly smaller (mean size 116 g). Mean survival was similar in all treatments and ranged from 82%-99% (mean 90.4%). Harvest biomass was related to stocking density with the highest density yielding a significantly greater harvest biomass (5,984 kg/ha). Feed conversion averaged 2.8 in 1987 and were significantly better than those recorded in 1986 (4.0).
