Effects of biological water purification grid on microbial community of culture environment and intestine of the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

Biological water purification grid (BWPG), a type of biofilm, could increase aquaculture production by improving the growth of shrimp and culture environment. In this study, the microbial community composition and diversity of water, sediment and shrimp intestine were analysed using the Illumina Miseq high‐throughput sequencing technique. Installation of BWPG did not only increase the dissolved oxygen, pH and decreased inorganic nutrients, but also increased shrimp body length by 5.39% and weight by 16.35%. Furthermore, it was found that the microbial community diversity of water and shrimp intestine in test pond with BWPG was higher than that of control pond without BWPG. Cyanobacteria, Bacillus and Lactococcus were enriched in the test pond with BWPG. However, Rhodobacter was mainly identified in the test pond. It thus seems to suggest that the application of BWPG in shrimp culture pond enhanced the microbial species richness, types of species and proportion of beneficial bacteria in culture environment as well as shrimp intestine. The results from this study will therefore provide some scientific basis for the improvement and development of shrimp aquaculture.     

Food sources and trophic relationships of three decapod crustaceans: insights from gut contents and stable isotope analyses

Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), freshwater shrimp (Macrobrachium nipponensis) and red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) are important culture species in China and have world‐wide introduced distributions. The trophic role of these three decapods has not been compared within a system although they consume plants, animals, and detritus and often co‐occur in freshwater ponds. A combination of stable isotope measurements and gut content analysis was used to determine the main food sources and trophic niche of three benthic decapods, in commercial crab ponds around Lake Gucheng, China. Observation of the gut contents reflected a variety of prey items ingested by three decapods. Macrophytes made up the highest contribution to the volume of their gut contents, followed by forage fish, corn and mollusks. Stable isotope analysis supported a stronger relationship between crayfish and vegetable matter than with animal matter, while both crab and shrimp were the opposite. An isotopic mixing model indicated that about 60% of crab and shrimp production originated from animal matter, while only 40% of crayfish production was ascribed to consumption of animal matter. Although results from the mixing model corroborate the gut content findings in most cases, stable isotope results showed that three decapods obtained more energy for growth from animal matter than what would be estimated if gut analysis was used alone. Estimates of niche overlap indices indicated a high degree of dietary overlap among the three decapods examined, suggesting that shrimp and crayfish density should be controlled if considering economic benefits of pond aquaculture.     

Nutrient removal efficiency of Hydropuntia cornea in an integrated closed recirculation system with pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis

In this study, we have tested the effect of seaweed stocking density in an experimental seaweed biofilter using the economically important red seaweed Hydropuntia cornea integrated with the cultivation of the pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis. Nutrient removal efficiency was evaluated in relation to seaweed stocking density (2.5, 4, 6 and 8 g fw L^?1). Total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) was the main nitrogen source excreted by F. brasiliensis, with concentrations ranging from 41.6 to 65 μM of NH₄⁺‐N. H. cornea specific growth rates ranged from 0.8 ± 0.2 to 1.4 ± 0.5% day^?1 with lowest growth rates at higher seaweed stocking density (8 g fw L^?1). Nutrient removal was positively correlated with the cultivation densities in the system. TAN removal efficiency increased from 61 to 88.5% with increasing seaweed stocking density. Changes in the chemical composition of the seaweed were analysed and correlated with nutrient enrichment from shrimp effluent. The red seaweed H. cornea can be cultured and used to remove nutrients from shrimp effluents in an integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture system applied to a closed recirculation system. Recirculation through seaweed biofilters in land‐based intensive aquaculture farms can also be a tool to increase recirculation practices and establish full recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS) with all their known associated benefits.     

Growth performance and RNA/DNA ratio of noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) and narrow‐clawed crayfish (Pontastacus leptodactylus) fed fish waste diets

New and viable species for aquaponics and integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture (IMTA) in freshwater systems can improve yields and sustainability of aquaculture. Freshwater crayfish species such as Astacus astacus and Pontastacus leptodactylus are omnivorous feeders and considered candidates for feeding on faecal matters in existing aquaculture systems. Feeding trials were conducted to determine growth response and RNA/DNA ratio in freshwater crayfish fed fish waste. Carapace length and wet weight were measured to determine the growth response. Juvenile A. astacus was fed faeces of hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops × Morone saxatilis) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), while adult P. leptodactylus was fed with two commercial pellet diets and pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) faeces. The nutritional composition of hybrid striped bass faeces was close to optimal diet composition of A. astacus, and crayfish showed significantly higher carapace growth, weight gain and weight gain per moult as the group fed rainbow trout faeces. The growth of P. leptodactylus was significantly lower in terms of weight gain and weight gain percentage per moult for crayfish fed on pikeperch faeces. Thus, this study can recommend a co‐cultivation of hybrid striped bass and A. astacus within one system, but cannot recommend co‐cultivation of P. leptodactylus with pikeperch. Additionally, this study showed controversial results of RNA/DNA ratio and weight gain of both crayfish species. Thus, RNA/DNA ratio cannot be approved for investigations on crayfish physiological status in controlled feeding experiments if animals are fed with an inadequate diet.     

Stocking density and date decisions in semi‐intensive shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) farming: a bioeconomic approach

This article analyses the optimal selection of stocking density and date in semi‐intensive culture of shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931). The empirical evaluation of productive and economic scenarios derived from the specific choice of these management variables is often unfeasible for decision makers. To overcome this limitation, the bioeconomic modelling is widely applicable in aquaculture systems. In the present study, profit maximization for a semi‐intensive shrimp farm is obtained through the development of a bioeconomic model to analyse the combination of stocking density (range: 6–30 postlarvae (PL) m^?2) and date (from March 1st to June 1st) as decision variables for a shrimp farm located in Sinaloa, Mexico. The results show that pond water temperatures prevailing during culture cycle when the stocking date is June 1st (temperature in 19‐weeks culture period: 30.76 ± 0.87°C) and the stocking density is 20–24 PL m^?2 produce a maximized Present Value Profit (PVπ) of  USThis article analyses the optimal selection of stocking density and date in semi‐intensive culture of shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931). The empirical evaluation of productive and economic scenarios derived from the specific choice of these management variables is often unfeasible for decision makers. To overcome this limitation, the bioeconomic modelling is widely applicable in aquaculture systems. In the present study, profit maximization for a semi‐intensive shrimp farm is obtained through the development of a bioeconomic model to analyse the combination of stocking density (range: 6–30 postlarvae (PL) m^?2) and date (from March 1st to June 1st) as decision variables for a shrimp farm located in Sinaloa, Mexico. The results show that pond water temperatures prevailing during culture cycle when the stocking date is June 1st (temperature in 19‐weeks culture period: 30.76 ± 0.87°C) and the stocking density is 20–24 PL m^?2 produce a maximized Present Value Profit (PVπ) of  US$^?ha 10 350 and PVπ US$^?ha 2526 for weekly mortality rates at low (2.1%) and medium (5.8%) levels respectively. The marginal change in the cost of feed (±1%) has the greatest effect on PVπ (?0.58% and 0.59% respectively). The discussion focuses on the combined effect of mortality rate, stocking density and especially, on the stocking date decision, for a given production planning framework, taking into account that the stocking date is the main management decision variable to cope with viral diseases outbreaks.     

Growth,survival, body composition and amino acid profile of Macrobrachium borellii against the limitation of feeds with different C:N ratios with comments about application in integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture

One way to attain more sustainable aquaculture systems is through the species diversification and optimization of the feed input, such as obtained by integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture (IMTA). Macrobrachium borellii is a native freshwater prawn that reunites many useful features to be implemented in an IMTA. The aim of this study was to gather information about to which extent M. borellii can survive, grow and maintain body composition against feed limitation. The C:N ratios of feedstuffs were variable in order to simulate a hypothetical scenario of an integrated culture with fish of different trophic habits. The nutritional aspects (amino acid profile and proximal composition) of feeds and prawns were also analysed. Macrobrachium borellii could grow, survive and maintain the proximal content and C:N ratio of its muscle tissue with all feedstuffs but exhibited higher biomass gain and specific growth rate consuming feeds with lower C:N ratios. In this view, the integration of this prawn with omnivore or carnivore fish species should be recommended. The amino acid profile exhibited little variation before and after the experimental period, and was rich in lysine, leucine and arginine. In this study, it was also discussed the nutritional aspects of M. borelliii as a valuable by‐product to human and animal nutrition.     

Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) production and stable isotope dynamics in clear‐water recirculating aquaculture systems versus biofloc systems

Closed recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) offer advantages over traditional culture methods including enhanced biosecurity, the possibility of indoor, inland culture of marine species year‐round and potential marketing opportunities for fresh, never‐frozen seafood. Questions still remain regarding what type of aquaculture system may be best suited for the closed‐system culture of marine shrimp. In this study, shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were grown in clear‐water RAS and in biofloc‐based systems. Comparisons were made between the system types with respect to water quality, shrimp production and stable isotope dynamics used to determine the biofloc contribution to shrimp nutrition. Ammonia and nitrite concentrations were higher, and shrimp survival was lower in the biofloc systems. Although stable isotope levels indicated that biofloc material may have contributed 28% of the carbon and 59% of the nitrogen in shrimp tissues, this did not correspond with improved shrimp production. Overall, the water column microbial communities in biofloc systems may be more difficult to manage than clear‐water RAS which have external filters to control water quality. Biofloc does seem to offer some nutritional contributions, but exactly how to take advantage of that and ensure improved production remains unclear.     

Characterization of bacterial community in intestinal and rearing water of Penaeus monodon differing growth performances in outdoor and indoor ponds

Penaeus monodon provides a high‐quality protein source for humanity, and pond cultured shrimp often presents asynchronous growth. Microbial communities are important for the digestion and immunity of shrimp. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the bacterial characteristics of the intestine and rearing water of asynchronously growing P. monodon that were cultured in outdoor and indoor pond respectively. The results showed that the bacterial community of the rearing water was more complex than that of the intestine; the fast‐growing shrimp in the indoor pond had higher intestinal bacterial diversity. Besides, the dominant bacterial composition of the water was more complex than that of the intestinal. Specifically, the abundance of Proteobacteria in the intestine was consistent with the growth performance of shrimp in the outdoor pond, which was exactly the opposite in the indoor pond. At the genus level, two cyanobacteria, Limnothrix and Cyanobium PCC‐6307, were dominant in the indoor and outdoor water respectively. In the outdoor pond, Bacillus was dominant in the slow‐growing shrimp intestines, while Vibrio was dominant in the fast‐growing shrimp. The intestinal microbes of the fast‐growing shrimp had higher proteasome metabolic capacity. These results can provide new insights into microbiome characteristics involved in the asynchronous growth of shrimp.     

Experimental evaluation of co-culture of juvenile sea cucumbers, Holothuria scabra (Jaeger), with juvenile blue shrimp, Litopenaeus stylirostris (Stimpson)

The co‐culture of juvenile sea cucumber Holothuria scabra (Jaeger), or ‘sandfish’, with juvenile blue shrimp Litopenaeus stylirostris (Stimpson) was tested by growing groups in co‐culture and monoculture for 3 weeks in tanks with enriched sand substratum. Feed was supplied on trays, accessible only to shrimp. Survival of shrimp and sandfish was high in all treatments (73–100%). Growth of shrimp did not differ between monoculture and co‐culture, but sandfish grew significantly slower in co‐culture (P=0.03), although their sand burying and surface foraging were apparently unaffected by shrimp (P=0.76). However, shrimp increased the levels of total ammonia‐N in tanks, which related inversely with sandfish growth (P=0.04). Conversely, sandfish did not appear to lower the water quality for shrimp culture. While sandfish bioturbate sediments and eat organic deposits, the juveniles did not significantly reduce the organic content of sand in tanks. Co‐culturing juveniles of the two species in earthen ponds appears feasible, with no detriment to shrimp production, presenting a cost‐effective method for growing sandfish to larger sizes for restocking. These findings underpin further studies to test the viability of commercial co‐culture of sandfish with blue shrimp at later stages in the production cycle of shrimp.     

Fish polyculture system integrated with vegetable farming improves yield and economic benefits of small‐scale farmers

This study explored the yield and economic benefits of African sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus, and Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus polyculture, reared in earthen ponds for 270 days integrated with Chinese cabbage, Brassica rapa chinensis, farmed for 45 days to small‐scale farmers in Tanzania. An integrated aquaculture–agriculture (IAA) system involving fishes and vegetables resulted in three and 2.5 times higher net yield than the culture of fishes alone and farming of non‐integrated vegetables respectively. Vegetables irrigated with pond water resulted in 1.8 times higher net and annual yields than those irrigated with stream water. The practice of fish–vegetable integration and growing of vegetables irrigated with pond water produced 14 and 13 times higher net annual yield, respectively, than the culture of fishes alone. The integrated system produced 20 and 150 times more net returns compared with vegetables irrigated with pond and stream water respectively. Integrating fishes with vegetables resulted in significantly higher annual net cash flow than the farming of fishes and vegetables separately. The study revealed that integrating fishes with B. rapa chinensis increases yields, income and food production to small‐scale farmers. Thus, small‐scale farmers can adopt IAA technology to meet the increasing demand of fish and vegetables, stabilize their incomes and diversify food production, consequently improving food security. These benefits will be realized by providing proper training in IAA technology and management skills to small‐scale farmers.     

室内集约化养虾池以低频率运转水处理系统调控水质效果及氮磷收支

采用低频率运转循环水处理系统(含粗滤器、臭氧仪、气液混合器,蛋白分离器、暗沉淀池等)联用池内设施(微泡曝气增氧机与净水网)开展凡纳滨对虾室内集约化养殖实验。研究了养虾池以水处理系统调控水质效果及氮磷收支。结果表明,养虾水经系统处理后,NO₂-N(53.4%～64.5%)、COD_Mn(53.4%～94.4%)与TAN(31.6%～40.4%)被显著去除,有效改进虾池水质;养殖周期内未换水与用药,虾池主要水化指标均控制在对虾生长安全范围,7号实验池(100 d)与8号对照池(80 d)主要水化指标变化范围:DO分别为 5.07～6.70 mg/L和4.38～6.94 mg/L,TAN 0.248～0.561 mg/L和0.301～0.794 mg/L,NO₂-N 0.019～0.311 mg/L和0.012～0.210 mg/L,COD_Mn 10.88～21.22 mg/L和11.65～23.34 mg/L。7号池对虾生长指数优于8号池(80 d虾病暴发终止),单位水体产量分别为1.398 kg/m²与0.803 kg/m²。氮磷收支估算结果:7号与8号池饲料氮磷分别占总收入:氮93.70%与92.37%,磷98.77%与99.09%;初始水层与虾苗含氮共占总收入6.30%与7.63%,磷共占1.23%与0.91%。总水层(含排污水)氮磷分别占总输出:氮56.45%与59.86%,磷53.26%与55.79%;收获虾体氮磷分别占总输出:氮37.07%与31.94%,磷21.37%与13.11%。7号池饲料转化率较高;池水渗漏与吸附等共损失氮磷分别占总输出:氮7.00%与9.34%,磷25.37%与31.10%。实验结果表明,虾池以低频率运转循环水处理系统联用池内设施可有效控制水质与虾病,具较高饲料转化率。     

Technical and economic feasibility of integrating seahorse culture in shrimp/oyster farms

Integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture systems (IMTA) are building ecosystems designed to produce aquatic organisms with less environmental impact. We have developed a simple system and a management strategy for introducing seahorse (Hippocampus spp.) culture in shrimp/oyster farms to increase economic sustainability. The system includes broodstock, nursery and grow‐out phases of Hippocampus reidi G. culture. We performed a test in a 42.4‐ha marine shrimp/oyster farm, which showed that this system is technically feasible. Then, we performed a partial budget analysis including cost‐return, cash flow and financial feasibility analysis. More than 12 000 marketable size seahorses may be produced in 402 m² annually. Initial investment was only US$ 21 103.00. The benefit–cost ratio was ~US$ 20.00 for each US$ 1.00 spent, internal rate of return was 131% and payback period <2 years. In conclusion, the introduction of seahorse in shrimp/oyster IMTA system is technically feasible, profitable, resilient and shows high liquidity. This system may be easily established in developing countries and has potential to provide seahorses to supply different markets (live specimens for the marine aquarium trade and dried specimens for traditional Chinese medicine and the curio trade). In addition, it can indirectly contribute to preserve natural populations.     

Effects of stocking density on the performance of brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus californiensis co‐cultured with the green seaweed Ulva clathrata

The brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus californiensis and the seaweed Ulva clathrata, both native to north‐west Mexico, were co‐cultured in lined ponds during 18 weeks. The aim of this study was to evaluate different stocking densities (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 per m²) in terms of shrimp yield to see if the co‐culture method results in shrimp yields suitable for commercial production. The presence of Ulva results in good water quality and allows culture of brown shrimp with low water exchange (10% weekly) and with low nitrogen and phosphorus content in discharged water. The final weight and specific growth rate (SGR) in shrimp between 10 and 30 per m² were significantly higher (12.5–12.0 g and 4.56–4.53% day⁻¹ respectively) than 40 and 50 per m² (9.1 and 8.6 g, and 4.31% and 4.26% day⁻¹ respectively). Total shrimp biomass generated in 30 or more shrimp per m² was significantly higher (2.7–3.1 t ha⁻¹) compared with 10 and 20 shrimp per m² (1.0 and 2.0 t ha⁻¹ respectively). The lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) (0.97) was shown in the 10 shrimp per m² case, and the highest FCR was seen with 50 shrimp per m² (1.37). Shrimp survival ranged between 71% and 81%, where the highest mortality was shown in 50 shrimp per m². The results show that the co‐culture method can result in commercially interesting yields, suggesting that 30 shrimp per m² is the best stocking density for co‐culturing F. californiensis with U. clathrata, based on the shrimp performance.     

Mass culture of fairy shrimp Branchinecta orientalis (G. O. Sars 1901) (Crustacea: Anostraca) using effluent of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum 1792) ponds

The variable quality and high price of Artemia (Leach 1819) cyst products, used worldwide as live food, motivate aquaculturists to find an appropriate alternative, especially for fresh/brackish water organisms. In this study, Branchinecta orientalis (G. O. Sars 1901), a common fairy shrimp in north‐western Iran, was reared for 15 days using effluent from trout ponds enriched with effluent filtrate as sole feed, or co‐fed with microalgae (Scenedesmus sp.). The effluent filtrate was replaced by algae at different ratios (25% and 50%), and feeding experiments were designed at densities of 100, 200 and 400 individuals/L in 3‐L containers and at 100 individuals/L in 20‐L containers. The results indicated that, at a certain density, the final length and survival were not significantly affected by different feeding regimes (p > .05). In 3‐L containers, the highest length and survival were observed at the lowest density. B. orientalis contained the highest amounts of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, though, when co‐fed algae, although the differences with the treatment fed solely effluent filtrate were often limited. Inclusion of algae in the diet also resulted in higher levels of a number of PUFAs. Our study proves that B. orientalis can be mass‐cultured successfully using trout effluent as culture medium without additional microalgae. Fish pond effluent is massively available as a cheap food source. Recycling aquaculture effluent for this type of live food production contributes to lowering the use of natural resources and to less discharge of nutrient loads into natural water bodies.     

The effectiveness of a commercial microbial product in poorly prepared tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon (Fabricius), ponds

The efficacy of a commercial microbial product was tested in commercial tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon (Fabricius), ponds for one culture period in Kuala Selangor, Malaysia. Four ponds with replicates for treatment and control were used. The pond bottom was dried but the organic sludge was not removed as normally practised in pond preparation. The ponds were stocked with 15 post‐larvae at the rate of 31.m^?2. Physical, chemical and biological parameters of the pond were analysed every 2 weeks during the culture period. Water quality parameters remained within the optimum range for shrimp culture except for ammonia‐nitrogen being significantly higher in control ponds and silica in treated ponds. Benthic organisms were not found in any of the ponds. The average counts of different bacteria were not significantly higher in treated ponds than control. Because of poor health, the shrimp were harvested earlier (72 days) than the usual 120 days. An average of 875.60 ± 67.00 kg shrimp ha^?1 was obtained in treated ponds with a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.57 ± 0.10 and survival rate of 42.35 ± 5.37% compared with 719.50 ± 130.94 kg shrimp ha^?1, 2.99 ± 0.70 and 21.25 ± 3.26%, respectively, in control ponds. Neither the microbial product nor the frequent water exchange was effective in overcoming the problems caused by the poor pond bottom.     

Gammarus aequicauda and Moina salina in the Crimean saline waters: New experimental and field data on their trophic relation

Gammarus aequicauda (Amphipoda) and Moina salina (Cladocera) are dominant species and promising objects for aquaculture in hypersaline lakes. In the Crimean hypersaline lake Moynaki, population dynamics of their abundance was studied and experiments on feeding were also done. In 2018 and 2019, the average concentrations of G. aequicauda and M. salina differed between the thickets of sea grass Ruppia and the areas without Ruppia. The concentration of G. aequicauda in the thickets was on average from 52 to 126 times higher than in the Ruppia‐free areas. Moina demonstrated the opposite trend. There was a significant negative correlation between the abundances of these species in the Ruppia thickets (R = ?0.746, p = .005). The experimental results on trophic relation showed that the amount of Moina eaten by one G. aequicauda varied from 0.04 to 9.80 ind./hr and depended on the average Moina concentration. Calculation showed that the gammarid population consumed about 1.0%–1.5% of available preys per day. Gammarids were able to graze up to 60%–65% of the Moina population in 10 days. To develop integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture in saline/hypersaline waters, character of ‘gammarus–moina’ trophic relation and the biological peculiarities of these species must be taken into account.     

Comparison of bacterial communities in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus culture ponds of an industrial ecological purification recirculating aquaculture system

The industrial aquaculture pond system has gradually replaced the use of traditional earthen pond, as it causes less pollution and is more economical. In this study, an industrial ecological purification recirculating aquaculture system consisting of the water source pond, high‐density culture ponds, a deposit pond, and ecological purification ponds for channel catfish cultivation was established. Twelve water samples from different ponds were sequenced, and the bacterial communities were analysed. The abundances of Cyanobacteria and Merismopedia varied in different functional ponds of the system. The water quality was stable after two months of cultivation at 1.89 ± 0.22 mg/L total nitrogen, 1.1 ± 0.08 mg/L NH₄‐N and 0.43 ± 0.1 mg/L total phosphorus. The fish weight increased in a nearly linear manner, reaching 237.63 ± 23.8 per fish at day 120. An analysis of the environmental parameters, water quality and fish weight suggested that the system had an effective water purification process. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that the community was affected at the genus and phylum levels by different environmental parameters. We identified several dominant beneficial bacteria with nutrient removal abilities. Overall, our results demonstrated that the ecological purification recirculating aquaculture system had notable effects on water quality improvement and promoted changes in bacterial populations. These results provide important information on the microbial ecology of pond industrial eco‐aquaculture systems.     

Integrated rearing system approach in the farming of mud crab,shrimp, fish,oyster and periphyton in bracksihwater pond

Diversification of production systems has been identified as one of the major strategies for the long‐term sustainability of brackishwater aquaculture. On the context of diversification, a 180‐day culture experiment was carried out where four farming systems were tested: monoculture of mud crab, Scylla serrata (T1), polyculture of mud crab, with mullet Mugil cephalus and shrimp Penaeus indicus (T2), polyculture of mud crab with mullet, shrimp and oyster Crassostrea cuttackensis (T3), polyculture of mud crab with mullet, shrimp, oyster along with periphyton net (T4) covering 10% of the water spread area. There was no significant difference in the growth performances of mud crab, shrimp and oyster among the treatment but a significantly higher (p < .05) final average body weight (ABW) of M.cephalus was recorded in T4 (121.19 ± 2.09 g). Production considering only the fed animals (excluding oyster) was significantly (p < .05) higher in T4 (2,115 kg/ha) compared to other treatments. The overall water quality parameters do not vary significantly (p > .05) among the treatment ponds. Although there was no significant difference in total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) and nitrite‐N, highest value was recorded in T2 (56.23 ± 39.47 µg/L and 185.53 ± 110.71 µg/L) and T1 (55.78 ± 32.26 µg/L and 180.83 ± 103.65 µg/L). The results from the current experiment based on water quality and growth of animals showed that there is no negative interaction between the mud crab and other animals stocked in the polyculture pond which indicated that polyculture provides an efficient and sustainable utilization of resources.     

Effects of Chaetomorpha valida bloom development on the structure and succession of the phytoplankton community in Apostichopus japonicus culture ponds

Phytoplankton is very important to aquaculture ecosystem and is vulnerable to ambient conditions. In recent years, Chaetomorpha valida, an invasive filamentous green alga, has been blooming in Apostichopus japonicus culture ponds. Here, we conducted a 5‐month investigation, examining whether that bloom affects the structure and succession of the pond phytoplankton community. Differences in dissolved oxygen, light and nutrient concentrations in both bloom and normal (non‐bloom) areas varied monthly. The species and populations of phytoplankton communities in both the bloom and normal areas showed no significant differences when C. valida biomass was low, but through time, differences became increasingly significant. Species in normal areas remained relatively stable as the numbers and species of the dominant species changed little and the diversity and evenness indexes increased monthly. In bloom areas, species abundance decreased gradually with most of the decrease affecting Bacillariophyta. Here, the number of dominant species remained stable from May to July but decreased significantly in August and September. Diversity and evenness indexes also decreased significantly, and the differences between the 2 areas increased rapidly. Results showed that C. valida bloom in A. japonicus culture ponds influenced both the structure and succession of the phytoplankton community, contributing to comprehensive assessment of the effects of C. valida bloom on aquaculture ecology.     

Bacterial composition,abundance and diversity in fish polyculture and mussel–fish integrated cultured ponds in China

Bacterial community and abiotic environmental parameters in twelve freshwater aquaculture ponds were analysed. According to the major component of stocked animals, the ponds were grouped into four types: black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus, largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco and pearl mussel Hyriopsis cumingii ponds. Each type of pond was stocked with three species of Chinese carps (silver carp, bighead carp and gibel carp) to form a unique mode of fish polyculture or mussel–fish integrated culture. The bacterial composition was identified using 16S rDNA sequencing. Totally, 3701 and 11 150 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified from the water and sediment samples respectively. The number of OTUs, abundance‐based coverage estimator, Chao1 index and Shannon diversity index were lower in the water column than in the sediment, suggesting that diversity and stability of bacterial community were higher in the sediment. In the water column, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes dominated at the phylum level, and 26 dominant genera were identified. In the sediment, Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria and Nitrospirae dominated at the phylum level, and 25 dominant genera were identified. Bacterial compositions between the ponds with different aquaculture modes were similar at the phylum levels, but varied at the genus levels. The bacterial composition in the ponds was correlated with hardness, ammonia and total nitrogen in the water column. This study indicates that the type of aquaculture mode is a factor regulating the microbial community, which provides an insight towards microbial management through probiotic manipulation in pond culture.