Influence of the frequency of addition of Navicula sp. in a biofloc system on the growth of Penaeus vannamei post-larvae and the planktonic community
Abstract
Aim of study: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different addition frequencies of the microalga Navicula sp. in a biofloc system on the growth performance of Penaeus vannamei post-larvae and the planktonic community.
Area of study: Laboratory of Sustainable Mariculture, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Brazil.
Material and Methods: Four treatments were tested in triplicate over 35 days: a control treatment (BFT - without Navicula sp.) and three treatments with Navicula sp. additions every 5, 10, and 15 days (BFT 5D, BFT 10D, and BFT 15D). The microalga was added at a density of 10 × 10⁴ cells mL⁻¹, and P. vannamei post-larvae (PL10, ~5 mg) were stocked at 3,000 PL m⁻³.
Main Results: The frequency of Navicula sp. addition did not significantly affect water quality parameters, except for settleable solids. Shrimp performance improved in treatments with more frequent additions (BFT 5D and BFT 10D), which showed higher mean final weights (0.44 ± 0.02 g and 0.51 ± 0.01 g) and yields (1.22 ± 0.05 kg m⁻³ and 1.41 ± 0.02 kg m⁻³) compared to the control. Although the treatments did not significantly affect the composition of the planktonic community, temporal variations were observed, with Cyanophyta reaching up to 95.2% relative abundance. Within the Cyanophyta and protozooplankton groups, Aphanocapsa sp. and Paramecium sp. were the predominant taxa, respectively.
Research highlights: Adding Navicula sp. every 5 or 10 days enhances the growth performance of Penaeus vannamei in biofloc systems. Over time, the planktonic composition changed, with a dominance of Cyanophyta. Considering the costs associated with microalgae production, adding Navicula sp. every 10 days is recommended for shrimp nurseries in biofloc systems.
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