With the objective of evaluating four stock densities of pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) and to identify the
one that provides the best productive performance, in length and weight gain to make possible its
intensive culture, a research was carried out, during 360 days. using the densities of 5, 10, 15 and 20
fishes per 100 m2 of inundate area. Live tilapias (Tilapia nilotica), captured in a dam used for milk
buffaloes management, equivalent to 6% of the pirarucu live weight, were used during four days per
week. The design was completely randomized with four treatments and two replications. The data
were analyzed on the basis of the application of the exponential model of growth. Mathematical
expressions were obtained for each stockage density. Simple linear regression analysis were made. -
However, until the first 120 days, no significant difference in weight could be observed among the
four study densities. The values of the angular coefficient of the relation weight/length of pirarucu
showed that its growth is of the allometric type. The maximum total size was 107.66 cm and the
maximum weight was 13.43 kg, in the density of five fishes per 100 m2. However, the highest
biomass, of 85.69 kg per 100 m2, was observed in the density of 10 fishes per 100 m2, suggesting
that this density would be the most adequate for using in intensive systems. The excellent ponderal
development of pirarucu, indicates the potential use of this species, in intensive systems associated
with buffaloes.
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