Abstract.The effect of stocking density on growth and survival ofOreochromis niloticus(L.) fry was evaluated.O. niloticusfry (average weight, 10·56 ± 0·28mg and average length. 9·09 ± 0·05nim) were stocked in 2–1 tanks at 2, 5, 10, 15 and 20 fry/1 and reared for 33 days post fertilization, at 30°C (±1°C). Mean lengths, mean weights, and specific growth rates were found to be significantly lower (P<0·05) at the higher stocking densities. The coefficient of variation for the five stocking densities was significantly (P<0·05) different. Condition factors, however, were not significantly (P<0·05) different and survival was high at all density treatments. These data suggest that the culture ofO. niloticusis feasible at the density groups tested but 5–10fry/I is recommended for fry culture in the hatchery, if a more uniform