Polyculture of Freshwater Angelfish Pterophyllum scalare and Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei in low‐salinity water

In this study, we evaluated the production potential of the polyculture of Freshwater Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare, Cichlidae) and Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Two experimental trials were set up. The first trial entailed the use of a randomized design to investigate three treatments options: angelfish monoculture, shrimp monoculture, and fish and shrimp polyculture in 12 experimental 15 m² ponds. In the second trial, we investigated two treatments (polyculture of caged fish and uncaged fish) in 10 experimental units. In trial 1, polyculture negatively affected fish growth and survival. However, fish did not affect shrimp growth and the greatest profit was achieved in polyculture. In trial 2, caging fish improve the growth of both fish and shrimp. An economic analysis showed the greatest profit and benefit cost ratio for caged fish compared with uncaged fish. We conclude that growing P. scalare and L. vannamei together is a better strategy than shrimp monoculture in low‐salinity water. The use of caged fish in such a polyculture operation would enhance productivity and profitability.     

Biotic communities and feeding habits of Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone 1931) and Litopenaeus stylirostris (Stimpson 1974) in monoculture and polyculture semi-intensive ponds

Zooplankton, macrozoobenthos and feeding habits of Litopenaeus stylirostris and L. vannamei in monoculture and polyculture semi‐intensive experimental ponds were evaluated. Zooplankton was more abundant in monoculture of L. stylirostris (1002±670 organisms (org.) L^?1) than in monoculture of L. vannamei (470±37 org. L^?1), and polyculture (321±188 org. L^?1). The main zooplanktonic groups were polychaeta larvae, nauplii, copepods and polychaeta. Macrozoobenthos was more abundant in polyculture (6898±11 137 org. m^?2) compared with monoculture of L. stylirostris (3201±350 org. m^?2) and L. vannamei (2384±3752 org. m^?2). The main benthic groups were copepods, polychaeta, ostracods, nematodes and insects. Differences in feeding habits were found between species and regimes. Litopenaeus vannamei showed to be a more voracious species and fed mostly on organic detritus and benthos in both culture regimes. Litopenaeus stylirostris had a more restricted sources of feed in the ponds. The major component in the stomach content of both species was detritus. Macroalgae, sand, exuvia, formulated feed, prey and microalgae were minor components for both species (<7%). Ingestion of formulated feed was <4% for L. stylirostris and was not detected for L. vannamei. The stomach repletion rates were larger for L. vannamei (55.6% and 48.8%) than for L. stylirostris (43.75% and 44.89%). Litopenaeus stylirostris grew better in polyculture (10.3±3.4 g) that in monoculture (9.0±3.8 g). Litopenaeus vannamei grew better in monoculture (16.1±4.8 g) than in polyculture (13.4±4.5 g). For both species, feed conversion ratio was lower in polyculture.     

Polyculture of the Giant Malaysian Prawn and the Golden Shiner in Southwestern Louisiana1

Juvenile prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) were stocked at 37,050/ha and golden shiner (Noremigonus crysoleucas) fry at 321,100/ha into 16 earthen ponds at Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, Grand Chenier, Louisiana. Four replicated treatments were tested: fed prawn monoculture, fed shiner monoculture, fed prawn and fed shiner polyculture, and unfed prawn fed shiner polyculture. The study lasted 149 days. There were no significant differences in growth between prawns fed in monoculture and prawns fed in polyculture (P > 0.05). However, fed prawns grew significantly larger (P < 0.05) than unfed prawns. Prawn survival in all treatments combined averaged 63%. Survival was significantly higher (P < 0.05) for fed prawns than for unfed prawns. Prawn yields averaged 533 kg/ha, when all treatments were combined. Yield was significantly higher (P < 0.05) for prawns grown with shiners and for prawns that received supplemental feed. Growth was significantly higher (P < 0.05) for shiners grown with fed prawns than for shiners grown with unfed prawns. Shiner survival averaged 33% and was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in monoculture than in polyculture. Yield for all ponds averaged 392 kg/ha, with no significant differences between treatments (P > 0.05).     

Comparison of the survival, growth and yield of red swamp crayfish and white river crayfish in monoculture and polyculture systems

Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and white river crayfish (P. acutus acutus) production for monoculture and polyculture systems were compared. The experiment consisted of three treatments with six replicates each. The stocking rates were 43 crayfish/m² in 0.18-m² tanks fitted with a stand of green rice. Each tank contained six crayfish, either six individuals of the same species or three individuals of each species. The mean stocking size for monoculture and polyculture were 32.6 ± 0.05 and 33.0 ± 0.07 mm total length, respectively. Survival and growth was assessed at 30-day intervals over a 90-day experimental period. Survival of two species was the same in the monoculture system (62.5%). Survival of P. clarkii in the polyculture system (25.0%) was significantly lower than in the monoculture system (62.5%), whereas P. acutus acutus survived at similar rate in the polyculture system (41.7%) and monoculture system (62.5%). Survival was lower but growth was higher in the polyculture system than in the monoculture system for both species. Growth of P. acutus acutus in the polyculture system was significantly greater than in the monoculture system. No difference was observed in the growth of P. clarkii between polyculture and monoculture and the overall growth of P. acutus acutus and P. clarkii was similar for the 90 days. Yield did not differ significantly between monoculture and polyculture systems (P < 0.05). Total yields were in 1.15 kg/ha in monoculture and 1.18 kg/ha in polyculture.     

Effects of Two Densities of Caged Monosex Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, on Water Quality, Phytoplankton Populations, and Production When Polycultured with Macrobrachium rosenbergii in Temperate Ponds

The effects of different densities of caged Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, on water quality, phytoplankton populations, prawn, and total pond production were evaluated in freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, production ponds. The experiment consisted of three treatments with three 0.04‐ha replicates each. All ponds were stocked with graded, nursed juvenile prawn (0.9 ± 0.6 g) at 69,000/ha. Control (CTL) ponds contained only prawns. Low‐density polyculture (LDP) ponds also contained two cages (1 m³; 100 fish/cage) of monosex male tilapia (115.6 ± 22 g), and high‐density polyculture (HDP) ponds had four cages. Total culture period was 106 d for tilapia and 114 d for prawn. Overall mean afternoon pH level was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) in polyculture ponds than in CTL ponds but did not differ (P > 0.05) between LDP and HDP. Phytoplankton biovolume was reduced in polyculture treatments. Tilapia in the LDP treatment had significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) harvest weights than in the HDP treatment. Prawn weights were higher (P ≤ 0.05) in polyculture than prawn monoculture. These data indicate that a caged tilapia/freshwater prawn polyculture system may provide pH control while maximizing pond resources in temperate areas.     

Preliminary Comparisons of the Native Penaeus setiferus and Pacific P. vannamei White Shrimp for Pond Culture in South Carolina, USA

Two pond experiments were conducted at the Waddell Mariculture Center to compare production characteristics of the native Penaeus setiferus and Pacific P. vannamei white shrimp in South Carolina. In 1985, 7–9 day old postlarval P. setiferus were stocked in one 0.1 and one 0.25 ha ponds, while P. vannamei of the same age were stocked in one 0.1 and one 0.25 ha ponds, while P. vannamei of the same age were stocked in one 0.1, one 0.25, and one 0.5 ha ponds. Both species were stocked at 12 shrimp/m². The shrimp were fed a 25% protein commercial food and harvested by draining after 147 d. Sarvival in all ponds was > go%, but growth and production of the P. setiferus were considerably lower than values obtained for P. vannamei: 12.8 g and 1,555 kg/ha/crop for P. satiferus versus 19.7 g and 2,477 kg/ha/crop for P. vannamei. In 1989, duplicate 0.1 ha ponds were stocked with P. setiferus and P. vannamei at 60 shrimp/m², and two additional 0.1 ha ponds were stocked with P. setiferus at 40/m². The P. setiferus postlarvae were produced at the Waddell Center from captive-reared and wild South Carolina brood stock. Rearing procedures involved paddlewheel aeration (10 hp/ha), regular water exchange (averaging 16–21%/d in all ponds), and use of a 40% protein feed. Due to the availability of postlarvae, the various treatments were stocked at different times. Both P. setiferus treatments were reared for 145 d, while the P. vannamei were reared for 165 d. P. setiferus at the 40/m² density attained mean size, survival, and standing crop biomass at harvest of 13.5 g, 97.5% and 5,259 kg/ha/crop, respectively. The 60/m²P. setiferus treatment was stocked 2 wk earlier and yielded 15.2 g mean weight, 87.5% survival, and 7,995 kg/ha/crop at harvest. The P. vannamei 60/m² treatment, which was stocked 3 wk earlier than any of the P. setiferus, produced mean size, survival and standing crop biomass at harvest of 17.1 g, 69.5% and 7,187 kg/ha/crop. Both survival and production levels would have been higher had not one replicate experienced a partial mortality due to a feeding accident. The 1989 study yielded what is thought to be the highest production levels yet achieved with P. setiferus in pond culture. These results suggest that P. setiferus may be a viable alternative to P. vannamei for intensive cultivation in the continental U.S. when P. vannamei are unavailable. Further evaluation of this potential is needed.     

The potential of mixed culture of genetically improved farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and freshwater giant prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) in periphyton-based systems

The production performance of genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus) and freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) in periphyton‐based systems were studied in farmers' ponds at Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Fifteen ponds (200–300 m² area and 1.0–1.5 m in depth) were used to compare five stocking ratios in triplicate: 100% GIFT, 75% GIFT plus 25% prawn, 50% GIFT plus 50% prawn, 25% GIFT plus 75% prawn and 100% prawn. Ponds were stocked at a total density of 20 000 GIFT and/or prawn ha^?1. Bamboo poles (mean diameter 6.2 cm and 5.5 pole m^?2) were posted in pond bottoms vertically as periphyton substrate. Periphyton biomass in terms of dry matter (DM), ash‐free DM and chlorophyll a were significantly higher in ponds stocked with prawn alone than in ponds with different combinations of GIFT and prawn. Survival of GIFT was significantly lower in ponds stocked with 100% GIFT (monoculture) whereas, that of prawn was significantly higher in its monoculture ponds indicating detrimental effects of GIFT on prawn's survival. Individual weight gains for both species were significantly higher in polyculture than in monoculture. The highest total fish and prawn yield (1623 kg GIFT and 30 kg prawn ha^?1) over 125–140 days culture period was recorded in ponds with 75% GIFT and 25% prawn followed by 100% GIFT alone (1549 kg ha^?1), 50% GIFT plus 50% prawn (1114 kg GIFT and 68 kg prawn ha^?1), 25% GIFT plus 75% prawn (574 kg GIFT and 129 kg prawn ha^?1) and 100% prawn alone (157 kg ha^?1). This combination also gave the highest economic return. Therefore, a stocking ratio of 75% GIFT plus 25% prawn at a total density of 20 000 ha^?1 appeared to be the best stocking ratio in terms of fish production as well as economics for a periphyton‐based polyculture system.     

Comparison of Tilapia Monoculture and Carp Polyculture in Fertilized Earthen Ponds

A comparison of a monoculture of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and a polyculture of carps (silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix; rohu Labeo rohita; and mrigal Cirrhinus mriga la; ratio 4:3:3) was carried out in 200-m² earthen ponds fertilized with cattle manure and supplemented with inorganic fertilizer at 3-kg nitrogen and 1.5-kg phosphorus/ha per day. A control treatment of a tilapia monoculture without fertilizer inputs was included to assess the effect of pond basal fertility. Net yields of 23.5 kg/pond per 112 d (3.8 t/ha per 1 yr) in the tilapia monoculture and 19.2 kg/pond per 112 d (3.1 t/ha per yr) in the carp polyculture were not significantly different; net yields from unfertilized tilapia monoculture ponds were negative. In the carp polyculture, silver carp was the dominant species at harvest contributing 73% of the total net fish production compared to 9% and 19% by rohu and mrigal, respectively. Water quality data suggested that tilapia yields could have been further improved by increasing fertilization rate but that critical dissolved oxygen concentration constrained this option for carp polyculture.     

Comparison of food selection and growth performance of koi carp, Cyprinus carpio L., and goldfish, Carassius auratus (L.) in mono- and polyculture rearing in tropical ponds

To compare the effect of polyculture against conventional monoculture on ornamental carp production, investigations on food selection and growth performance of koi carp (K), Cyprinus carpio L. and goldfish (G), Carassius auratus (L.) were conducted in a 11‐week rearing experiment in two monoculture (100% K and 100% G) and five polyculture (90% K–10% G, 70% K–30% G, 50% K–50% G, 30% K–70% G and 10% K–90% G) conditions in tropical ponds. There were three replicates for each treatment. Environmental conditions and food availability were similar in all the treatments. Ivlev's electivity index showed that both fish species avoided phytoplankton and preferred cladocerans to other zooplankton groups (copepods and rotifers) in monotypic conditions. However, in the polyculture treatments, the positive electivity of goldfish towards cladocerans reduced significantly (P<0.05), while the percentage of copepods, rotifers and phytoplankton in the gut content increased. No significant differences in weight gain, specific growth rate and deformities were recorded at harvest for koi carp between the different treatments (P>0.05). Even the survival rate of koi carp recorded above 90% in all the treatments. However, the goldfish recorded significantly better weight gain, specific growth rate and survival in monoculture (100% G), compared with the polyculture treatments (P<0.05). Goldfish deformities were lowest (P<0.05) in the monoculture treatment (2.42%). The number of marketable fish above a set size limit of 4 g total weight was significantly higher in the two monoculture treatments, compared with the five polyculture treatments (P<0.05). Keeping in view of the dietary similarities of koi carp and goldfish, and the aggressive nature of koi carp in polyculture, it is suggested to refrain from polyculture of goldfish and koi carp until further documentations relating to optimum stocking density and management of polyculture of ornamental carps are available.     

Growth performances for monoculture and polyculture of hatchery‐reared juvenile spotted babylon,Babylonia areolata Link, 1807, in large‐scale earthen ponds

This study was conducted to determine the feasibility of growing out hatchery‐reared spotted babylon juvenile (Babylonia areolata) in earthen ponds. The growth, survival and water quality for monoculture of spotted babylon were compared with the two polyculture trials with sea bass (Lates calcarifer) or milkfish (Chanos chanos). This study provided good results for growth and survival of spotted babylon in earthen ponds. The mean body weight gain of snails held in the monoculture was 5.39±0.08 g, and 4.07±0.16 and 4.25±0.11 g for those held in the polyculture with sea bass or milkfish respectively. Food conversion ratios (FCR) were 2.69, 2.96 and 2.71 for snails held in the monoculture and polyculture with sea bass and milkfish, respectively, and the final survival rates were 84.94%, 74.30% and 81.20% respectively. There were no significant differences in each parameter of water quality among the treatments but significant differences among the culture period were present (P<0.05). Salinity and total alkalinity showed the greatest changes during the culture period for all treatments. Seawater temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrite–nitrogen and ammonia–nitrogen gradually changed over the culture period for all the treatments. The present study indicated the technical feasibility for monoculture and polyculture of B. areolata to marketable sizes in earthen ponds.     

Effects of Stocking Size and Density of Tilapia on Macrobrachium rosenbergii in Polyculture

Studies were conducted to determine the effect of stocking size and density of prawns in polyculture.
In one experiment, postlarval prawns (av. wt. 0.02 g) were stocked in six 0.02 ha earthen ponds at 35,00O/ha. Two ponds were stocked with tilapia fry (av. wt. 0.14 g) and two were stocked with tilapia fingerlings (av. wt. 30.1 g), each at 10,000/ha. Two control ponds had no tilapia. Tilipia stocking size had no effect on prawn growth. Mean weight of prawns after 70 days of culture ranged from a low of 4.5 g when cultured with tilapia fingerlings to a high of 6.6 when cultured in monoculture. Prawn survival was adversely affected by tilapia fry. Average prawn survival in tilapia fry ponds was 65% compared to 75% and 91%, respectively, in tilapia fingerling and monoculture ponds.
In a second experiment, postlarval prawns were stocked in nine 0.02 ha earthen ponds at 40,000/ ha. Six ponds were stocked with 30 g tilapia fingerlings, three at 5,000/ha and three at 15,000/ha. Three control ponds received prawns only. After 100 days of culture, prawn weight ranged from an average of 15.9 g in monoculture ponds to 11.5 g in polyculture ponds. Survival was highest (93.8%) in low density polyculture ponds. Survival was lowest (85.6%) in prawn monoculture ponds. Tilapia reproduction had a negative impact on shrimp production.     

Polyculture of western white shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei Boone, 1931 with Grey mullet,Mugil cephalus Linnaeus, 1758 controls external parasites of western white shrimp

The main aim of this study was to examine the effects of a polyculture system on the control of the external parasites of western white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. To this end, the western white shrimp postlarvae (PLs) were stocked in nine earthen ponds (600 m²) at a density of 20 PLs m^?2 and reared for 4 months. After 40 days of shrimp stocking, Mullets, Mugil cephalus, were stocked at various densities including: control (0 fish/100 m² pond), treatment 1 (T₁: 2 fish/100 m² pond) and treatment 2 (T₂: 4 fish/100 m² pond). Over the course of the experiment, the external parasites of shrimps were investigated by the preparation of a wet mount from the gill tissue. Based on the obtained results, totally two genera of protozoan parasites, i.e. Zoothamnium sp. and Epistylis sp., were identified over the course of the experiment. In all experimental groups, the incidence and abundance of Zoothamnium sp. was significantly higher than Epistylis sp. (P < 0.05). Also, mean incidence per cent and mean abundance of Zoothamnium sp. and Epistylis sp. were significantly lower in the polyculture treatments (T₁ and T₂) compared to the monoculture group (control) (P < 0.05). Throughout this experiment, the total organic matter (TOM %) content of the bottom sediments and biological oxygen demand (BOD₅ mg L^?1) of water samples in the polyculture ponds were significantly lower than the monoculture group (P < 0.05). In contrast, the polyculture ponds had a higher concentration of water dissolved oxygen (O₂ mg L^?1) compared to the monoculture (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results show that mullet as a secondary farmed species can reduce indirectly the parasitic pollution of western white shrimp probably through reducing the total organic matters in water and sediments and improving the water quality parameters.     

Evaluation of the production potential of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man) in monoculture and in polyculture with Nile tilapia and common carp in Saudi Arabia

The feasibility of polyculture of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man) with two fish species, Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), and common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., was examined and compared with monoculture of M. rosenbergii in 100-m² ponds. Overall percentage of females (56.8%) was higher than that of males (43.2%). The proportions of females, males and their morphotypes did not differ significantly between monoculture and polyculture. After 196 days of culture, the mean harvest weight of prawns in monoculture (30.2 g) was significantly greater than that in polyculture (21.3 g). Yield in monoculture (1152 kg ha^-1) was significantly greater than (1.62 times) that of polyculture (711 kg ha^-1). Total yield from polyculture including yield of tilapia (2544 kg ha^-1) and common carp (2999 kg ha^-1) was almost five times as great as that of prawn monoculture. Survival and food conversion rate of M. rosenbergii did not differ significantly between monoculture and polyculture.     

鱼蚌混养对池塘水质、藻相结构及三角帆蚌生长的影响

2012年4月26日—2012年12月12日通过在鲢鳙鱼养殖池塘中放养不同密度的三角帆蚌,研究不同三角帆蚌放养比例对鲢鳙鱼养殖池塘中水质、藻相结构及三角帆蚌生长的影响。实验中,鲢鳙放养比例统一为3∶7,总密度为1.5尾/m3。三角帆蚌放养密度则设置4个水平,分别为单养鲢鳙鱼池塘(0只/m3),低密度三角帆蚌混养池塘(0.8只/m3),中密度三角帆蚌混养池塘(1.0只/m3)和高密度三角帆蚌混养池塘(1.2只/m3)。结果显示,混养三角帆蚌池塘的水化指标(TP、PO4-P、NH3-N、NO2-N和NO3-N)均显著低于单养鱼池塘。中密度三角帆蚌混养池塘除NH3-N和化学需氧量(COD)与低密度三角帆蚌混养池塘无显著差异外,其他各项水化指标均显著低于其他3个池塘,并且极显著低于单养鲢鳙鱼池塘。单养鲢鳙鱼池塘藻类平均密度均极显著高于鱼蚌混养池塘,其中在鱼蚌混养池塘中浮游植物密度与三角帆蚌密度成负相关关系。单养鲢鳙鱼池塘的浮游植物生物量均极显著低于中、高密度鱼蚌混养池塘,并且显著低于低密度混养池塘。浮游植物生物量与三角帆蚌密度成正相关关系,鱼蚌池塘中绿藻和裸藻的生物量在养殖过程中上升显著。低、中密度三角帆蚌混养池塘三角帆蚌存活率均显著高于高密度三角帆蚌混养池塘;低密度混养池塘中蚌湿重、壳长及壳宽相对增长率均为最大,显著高于中、高密度三角帆蚌混养池塘。研究表明,养鱼池塘混养三角帆蚌不仅能改善养殖池塘的水质,还能控制藻类数量,促使绿藻和裸藻等大型藻类的生长,提高养殖水体浮游植物的生物量总量,最终还能有效提高三角帆蚌的存活率及生长率。从改善水质,藻相结构,蚌成活率及生长等指标角度考虑,在鲢鳙鱼养殖池塘中,三角帆蚌最佳放养密度为1.0只/m3。     

Overwintering Paddlefish in Monoculture and in Polyculture with Channel Catfish and Rainbow Trout

Paddlefish, "Polydon spathula," overwintered in monoculture and in polyculture with fingerling channel catfish, "Ictalurus punctatus," or with rainbow trout, "Oncorhynchus mykiss," were examined for growth and compatibility in nine 0.04-ha ponds. Paddlefish in polyculture had significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) individual weight gains than those in monoculture. Feed in polyculture treatments probably served as a fertilizer, promoting zooplankton production for paddlefish consumption and growth. Paddlefish in polyculture with fingerling channel catfish had significantly greater (P < 0.05) individual weight gains than paddlefish polycultured with rainbow trout, although there was less feed input with channel catfish than with rainbow trout. Bloody and frayed fins on paddlefish stocked with rainbow trout suggested fin nipping by rainbow trout which may have interfered with paddlefish feeding and growth. Paddlefish overwintered in polyculture with fingerling channel catfish demonstrated increased weight gains and good species compatibility.     

Growth, Survival, Yield, and Size Distributions of Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii and Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus in Polyculture and Monoculture Systems in Puerto Rico

Abstract.— Tilapia and freshwater prawn production in Puerto Rico for monoculture and polyculture systems were compared. The experiment consisted of three treatments with three replicates each. The stocking rates for the prawn monoculture, fish monoculture and polyculture treatments were respectively: 7 prawns/m², 1 tilapia/M², and 7 prawns with 1 tilapia/ m². The mean stocking size for tilapia and prawn were respectively, 7–8 g and 1–1.3 g. After 145 d of culture, yields and mean weight of tilapia in monoculture and polyculture system were not significantly different. Total yields were 2,942 and 2,769 kg/ha, respectively. Mean weights were 348 g in monoculture and 331 g in polyculture. Yields and mean weight of prawns in monoculture and polyculture were significantly different. Total yields were 1,367 and 951 kg/ha, respectively. Mean weights were 55 g in monoculture and 31 g in polyculture. Total yield in polyculture was 3,720 kg/ha showing an increase over the production separately obtained in prawn and fish monoculture.     

Maximizing First-Year Growth of Mixed-Sex Blue Tilapia Oreochromis aureus in Polyculture with Catfish Ictalurus spp.

Mixed-sex blue tilapia Oreochromis aureus fry were produced from indoor spawns in March and April. Fry were stocked in May at an average weight of 0.5 g at 0, 250, 750, or 2,500/ha into ponds which had been stocked previously with three catfish strains at a combined density of 10,000 fingerlings/ha. After a 167-d culture period, from 15 May until 4 November, tilapia stocked at 250 or 750/ha grew to average harvest size approaching 0.45 kg. No significant difference in average size was observed between males and females except at the 2,500 tilapia/ha stocking density. Sixty percent of the tilapia polyculture ponds yielded no reproduction at harvest and maximum reproduction observed was 13.5 kg/ha. Lack of reproduction and the undeveloped state of sampled female ovaries indicated that most females had yet to attain sexual maturity. Catfish production and catfish feed conversion was not significantly different between tilapia polyculture and catfish monoculture ponds ( P > 0.05). First seine hauls yielded over 88% of the total catfish harvest, but only an average of 3.9% of the marketable tilapia. Tilapia had no measurable impact on the incidence of catfish off-flavor at any of three sample intervals. Overall average levels of TAN and nitrites did not differ significantly between treatments; however, mean chlorophyll a concentration was significantly higher ( P > 0.05) in the 2,500 tilapia/ha treatment than at lower tilapia densities.     

The impact of net-isolated polyculture of tilapia (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oreochromis niloticus</Emphasis>) on plankton community in saline–alkaline pond of shrimp (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Penaeus vannamei</Emphasis>)

We used 12 land-based experimental enclosures (6 m × 5 m) in a saline–alkaline pond of shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) to determine the impact of net-isolated polyculture of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) on plankton communities for 40 days. Tilapias were stocked in net cages suspended in enclosures, in polyculture ponds including tilapia and shrimp. Four tilapia biomass were tested: 0, 39, 115 and 227 g m⁻². Shrimp stocking biomass were 0.7 g m⁻² in all treatments. There were three replicates in each treatment. Our results showed that the presence of tilapia significantly reduced phytoplankton biomass directly through predation and indirectly through top-down effect. The stocking of tilapia reduced zooplankton biomass, particularly rotifer biomass. However, copepod biomass was not been significantly affected. So, net-isolated polyculture of tilapia can thus have a strong impact on phytoplankton allowing the co-existence of large numbers of copepods with planktivorous fish and improving the water quality of shrimp ponds.     

The budget of nitrogen in the grow‐out of the Amazon river prawn (Macrobrachium amazonicum Heller) and tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum Cuvier) farmed in monoculture and in integrated multitrophic aquaculture systems

This work determined the nitrogen inputs, outputs and accumulation in compartments of stagnant earthen ponds for the monoculture and integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture (IMTA) of the Amazon river prawn (Macrobrachium amazonicum) and tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), using recycled hypereutrophic water. A completely randomized experiment was designed with four treatments and three replications: PM–monoculture with 30 prawns/m², FM ‐ monoculture with 3 fish/m², IMTA ‐ polyculture with 30 prawns/m² and 30 fish/m² free, POLY‐CAGE ‐ polyculture with 30 prawns/m² free and 40 fish/m³ in net‐cages. Animals, rain, water, feed, soil, gas, accumulated sludge, and suspended sediments were collected throughout the experiment to determine their nitrogen contents and to calculate the nitrogen budget. Results showed that much of the nitrogen available escapes to atmosphere as N₂ (~40%–56%) after denitrification or accumulated within bottom sludge (~14%–42%). The remaining nitrogen was converted in animal biomass (~5%–21%) or was discharged to receiving waterbodies in the outlet water (~11%–13%). Feed management appeared to influence the major biological processes in the aquatic nitrogen cycle, such as photosynthesis and denitrification. The fish‐prawn IMTA systems converted approximately 53%–75% of feed nitrogen into harvestable products, which is more efficient than the 19%–46% of feed nitrogen converted in the monocultures. However, a large amount of nitrogen is accumulated in the pond bottom in all systems. An increased prawn density or the addition of a mud‐feeder species to the culture may enhance the incorporation of this material in harvested biomass, improving the efficiency of the systems.     

Effects of varied levels of incorporation of Labeo gonius in carp polyculture system in India

Growth performance of kuria labeo, Labeo gonius as a component species in the major carp polyculture system was evaluated at two incorporation levels against a control without the species through a year‐round grow‐out study in nine earthen ponds (0.08 ha). Three species ratio of catla, silver carp, rohu, mrigal and kuria labeo at 15:15:40:30:0 (T‐1: control), 15:15:40:20:10 (T‐2) and 15:15:40:10:20 (T‐3) were evaluated as three treatments. The carps were stocked at a combined density of 7500 fingerlings ha^?1. Silver carp demonstrated the highest survival (75–81%) followed by rohu (70–76%), catla (69–76%), kuria labeo (69–71%) and mrigal (67–69%). Species‐wise yield attributes such as survival, harvest weight, SGR and biomass yield of silver carp, catla and rohu were similar in their respective treatments. Kuria labeo at 10% inclusion demonstrated 12% higher harvest weight than its 20% inclusion. However, such higher weight gain could not affect the total biomass yields of carps which remained similar among the treatments. Furthermore, harvest weight of kuria labeo at 10% inclusion was comparable to that of mrigal when the latter incorporated at 20–30% level. Therefore, the study suggested 10% to be a suitable incorporation level for kuria labeo in the commercial grow‐out carp polyculture system.