Role of salinity in the dissolution rates of CaCO3 and its implications for aquaculture liming

This work aimed at assessing the role of salinity in the dissolution rates of CaCO₃, discussing its implications for aquaculture liming. A simplified formula of artificial seawater without HCO₃^? was initially prepared. Four batches of 10 L of diluted artificial seawater (salinity = 3.3 g/L) without HCO₃^? were prepared. Sixteen Erlenmeyer flasks were filled up with 2 L each of the diluted artificial seawater without HCO₃^?. Besides, 16 other 2,000‐ml Erlenmeyer flasks were filled up with 2 L of distilled water (freshwater). The experimental treatments were formed by applying increasing amounts of analytical‐grade sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) upon brackish water and freshwater. Accordingly, four initial levels of total alkalinity (TA) have been set up as follows: 4–6, 33–35, 62–63 and 120–122 mg/L. Next, approximately one gram of analytical‐grade calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) was applied onto each flask. Water's pH, TA and calcium concentration were determined weekly over a 7‐week period, by appropriate methods. For a same initial TA, TA increase over time after CaCO₃ application was lower in the brackish water flasks than in the freshwater ones. This was especially clear for moderate (63 mg/L) and high (120 mg/L) alkalinities. It was concluded that brackish and saline waters used for aquaculture would only benefit from CaCO₃ liming if their alkalinities were lower than 60–80 mg/L.     

Variability in the solubility of agricultural limestone from different sources and its pertinence for aquaculture

Samples of agricultural limestone were obtained from quarries in the USA as follows: Talking Rock, GA; Whitestone, GA; Austinville, VA; Bonham, TX; and Thomasville, PA, referred as GA‐1, GA‐2, VA, TX and PA respectively. The limestone products were tested initially for non‐equilibrium pH, concentrations of calcium and magnesium, neutralizing value (NV) and fineness rate. Laboratory solubility test of the products was conducted in which pH, specific conductance (SC), total alkalinity (TA), total and calcium hardness were measured weekly for 9 weeks. It was found that the agricultural limestone samples had comparable chemical compositions, that is NV (97–108%), Ca (19.8–32.1%), Mg (3.2–12.2%), pH of slurry (8.1–9.7), but somewhat different solubilities in water. Total alkalinity concentrations at equilibrium ranged from 30 to 60 mg L^?1. It was possible to quickly estimate the relative solubility of different agricultural limestone samples by comparing their specific conductance under standardized conditions (2.0 g samples w/0.15–0.25 mm fineness; 3.5 L distilled water; 24 h). This procedure might be helpful in achieving better results when liming aquaculture ponds, that is choosing the agricultural limestones with the highest solubilities in water.     

Trace elements in waters of inland,low‐salinity shrimp ponds in Alabama

Trace element concentrations in waters of 10, inland, low‐salinity shrimp ponds in Alabama tended to be greater than those found in normal seawater – molybdenum, boron and silicon were exceptions. Concentrations of most trace elements varied greatly among ponds on individual sampling dates, and average concentrations based on all sampling dates in individual ponds also varied considerably. The analytical method used, digestion of water samples in nitric acid followed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry, measured total concentrations of trace elements – free ions, hydrolysis products, ion pairs, coordination compounds (chelated forms) and particulate forms. Free ions are the toxic forms of most trace elements and the ionic concentration is much less than the total concentration of a trace element. Based on total concentrations of trace elements, it is doubtful that free‐ionic concentrations of trace elements were great enough to harm shrimp. The fact that no negative correlations were noted between trace element concentrations and shrimp survival and production supports this conclusion. However, positive correlations (P < 0.05) between shrimp survival and production and increasing concentrations of zinc, cobalt and iron should be investigated further to ascertain if additions of these elements to ponds might improve shrimp performance.     

Water quality dynamics and shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) production in intensive, mesohaline culture systems with two levels of biofloc management

A dense microbial community develops in the water column of intensive, minimal-exchange production systems and is responsible for nutrient cycling. A portion of the microbial community is associated with biofloc particles, and some control over the concentration of these particles has been shown to provide production benefits. To help refine the required degree of control, this study evaluated the effects of two levels of biofloc management on water quality and shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) production in commercial-scale culture systems. Eight, 50 m³ raceways were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: T-LS (treatment-low solids) and T-HS (treatment-high solids), each with four replicate raceways. Settling chambers adjacent to the T-LS raceways had a volume of 1700 L with a flow rate of 20 L min⁻¹. The T-HS raceways had 760 L settling chambers with a flow rate of 10 L min⁻¹. Raceways were stocked with 250 shrimp m⁻³, with a mean individual weight of 0.72 g, and shrimp were grown for thirteen weeks. Raceways in the T-LS treatment had significantly reduced total suspended solids, volatile suspended solids, and turbidity compared to the T-HS treatment (P ≤ 0.003). The T-LS raceways also had significantly lower nitrite and nitrate concentrations, and the T-HS raceways had significantly lower ammonia and phosphate concentrations (P ≤ 0.021). With the exception of nitrate, there were no significant differences between the change in concentration of water quality parameters entering and exiting the settling chambers in the T-LS versus the T-HS treatment. Nitrate never accumulated appreciably in the T-LS raceways, possibly due to denitrification in the settling chambers, bacterial substrate limitations in the raceways, or algal nitrate assimilation. However, in the T-HS raceways nitrate did accumulate. The T-HS settling chambers returned a significantly lower nitrate concentration and significantly greater alkalinity concentration than what entered them (P ≤ 0.005), indicating that denitrification may have occurred in those chambers. There were no significant differences in shrimp survival, feed conversion ratio, or final biomass between the two treatments. However, shrimp in the T-LS treatment grew at a significantly greater rate (1.7 g wk⁻¹ vs. 1.3 g wk⁻¹) and reached a significantly greater final weight (22.1 g vs. 17.8 g) than shrimp in the T-HS treatment (P ≤ 0.020). The results of this study demonstrate engineering and management decisions that can have important implications for both water quality and shrimp production in intensive, minimal-exchange culture systems.     

Comparison of microbial community structures in intensive and extensive shrimp culture ponds and a mangrove area in Thailand

ABSTRACT:   A pelagic bacterial community structure was examined in experimental intensive shrimp culture ponds that have a shrimp–mangrove complex aquaculture system, an extensive shrimp culture pond and a mangrove area in Thailand by denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of polymerase chain reaction amplified partial 16S rRNA genes. Bacterial community structure in the intensive shrimp culture ponds was distinguishable from that of the mangrove area. In the extensive shrimp culture pond, the bacterial community structure resembled that in the mangrove area, but bacterial abundance was as great as that in the intensive shrimp culture ponds. Among the intensive shrimp culture ponds, the bacterial community structure was different between a closed culture system and a shrimp–mangrove complex culture system. Moreover, the bacterial community structure in mangrove planted ponds was close to those in the intensive shrimp culture ponds when shrimp culture was conducted, but it was close to those in the mangrove areas without shrimp culture. These results suggest that intensive shrimp culture with shrimp feed input affects the bacterial community structures in pond water.     

Influence of variation in water temperature on survival,growth and yield of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei in inland ponds for low‐salinity culture

There is considerable interest in the culture of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in inland low‐salinity water in Alabama and other states in the Sunbelt region of the US. However, the growing season is truncated as compared with tropical or subtropical areas where this species is typically cultured, and temperature is thought to be a major factor influencing shrimp production in the US. This study, conducted at Greene Prairie Aquafarm located in west‐central Alabama, considered water temperature patterns on a shrimp farm in different ponds and different years; and sought possible effects of bottom water temperature in ponds on variation in shrimp survival, growth and production. Water temperature at 1.2 m depth in 22 ponds and air temperature were monitored at 1‐hr intervals during the 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 growing seasons. Records of stocking rates, survival rates and production were provided by the farm owner. Correlation analysis and linear mixed model analysis of variance were used. Results showed that hourly water temperatures differed among ponds. The range of water temperature in each pond explained 41% of the variance in average final weight of shrimp harvested from each pond. In conclusion, the results suggest that variation in water temperature patterns has considerable influence on shrimp growth and survival in ponds.     

河口区室内幼虾养殖循环水处理技术与模式

利用臭氧与生物滤器循环水处理系统进行室内南美白对虾幼虾养殖。试验期间,按48～72h间隔以臭氧处理养虾循环水2h、曝气2～4h。水处理期间,暂停处理池、养虾池间水循环,过滤系统持续运转。53d中,水处理系统有效控制养殖水质化学指标与微生物指标均在合适范围内,各指标平均值为:NH3-Nt0.41mg·L-1,NO-2-N0.057mg·L-1,COD10.12mg·L-1,氧化还原电位379mV,浑浊度0.6NTU,细菌总数10200cell·mL-1,弧菌数6cell·mL-1;同时获得较高的幼虾成活率(78.3%～80.2%)。根据试验结果与河口水特点,提出了河口区室内养虾循环水处理模式。     

Evaluation of an alternative salt mixture to culture Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in inland aquaculture

Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, exhibit a remarkable ability to tolerate low‐salinity environments, facilitating its culture far from coastal areas using various production systems at salinities less than 15 g/L. Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and biofloc systems are usually operated using reconstituted sea salt (RSS), which is a considerable financial burden to commercial producers due to its higher price. Current study was carried out with the objective of testing the efficacy of a low‐cost salt solution to replace expensive RSS to grow shrimp under laboratory conditions. Low‐cost salt mixture (LCSM) was formulated to yield sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium concentrations closely comparable to that of diluted seawater using agriculture grade sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulphate, potassium oxide, calcium chloride and sodium bicarbonate. Growth trials were conducted at three different salinities of 3, 6 and 15 g/L, incrementally replacing RSS with LCSM (0, 2.5, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) at four replicates per treatment. Twenty juvenile shrimp were reared for 42 days in 150 L polyethylene tanks. Ionic profile of water, ionic profile and osmolality of shrimp haemolymph were determined to justify growth and survival data through analysing ionic variations and osmoregulatory capacity of shrimp. At the conclusion, no significant differences were observed in survival, growth, osmoregulation and levels of cations in shrimp haemolymph between RSS and LCSM treatments at all salinities examined. Results reflect the potential use of LCSM to replace RSS which could be an excellent solution to bring down the cost of production in inland shrimp aquaculture.     

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.     

Supplementation of potassium, magnesium and sodium chloride in practical diets for the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, reared in low salinity waters

The culture of Litopenaeus vannamei in inland low salinity waters is currently being practiced in various countries around the world. These environments are often deficient in key ions essential for normal physiological function, including potassium (K⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺). Farmers have sometimes been able to counteract ionic deficiencies in the water profile by adding mineral salts containing sources of K⁺ and Mg²⁺. The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility of correcting deficiencies of K⁺ and Mg²⁺ in the water profile with dietary supplementation of these minerals. Two separate 7‐week experiments were conducted in 4.0 g⁻¹ artificial low salinity water to evaluate the effects of mineral supplements (K⁺, Mg²⁺ and NaCl) to diets of L. vannamei reared in low salinity waters. In trial 1 seven diets were formulated (10 g NaCl kg⁻¹, 20 g NaCl kg⁻¹, 150 mg kg⁻¹ Mg²⁺, 300 mg kg⁻¹ Mg²⁺, 5 g K⁺ kg⁻¹, 10 g K⁺ kg⁻¹, and a basal diet to serve as a control). Minerals were added in the form of purified potassium chloride (KCl), magnesium chloride (MgCl₂·6H₂O) and NaCl. Trial 2 evaluated the use of a coating agent for the Mg²⁺ and NaCl treatments, while a K⁺ amino acid complex was utilized in the K⁺ treatments to reduce mineral leaching. Trial 2 was performed using similar treatment levels as trial 1. Shrimp survival and growth were assessed in both experiments. Results from trial 1 indicated no significant differences in survival, growth or percent weight gain. Results from trial 2 revealed no significant differences in survival and growth in the NaCl and Mg²⁺ treatments. However, significant differences in growth (P < 0.05) were observed when using the 10 g K⁺ kg⁻¹ treatment, suggesting that dietary supplementation of a K⁺ amino acid complex may help improve growth of the species in low salinity waters.     

The effects of different solids and biological filters in intensive pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) production systems

Biofloc systems rely on suspended solids in the water to house microbes that can remove or cycle nitrogenous wastes; however, nitrogen cycling can be inconsistent. In contrast, external biofilters are used in many recirculating systems to provide a more consistent environment for microbes to process nitrogen. Regardless of the biofiltration approach, solids levels must be controlled to prevent issues in shrimp such as gill fouling, low dissolved oxygen levels, and other negative impacts. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of settling chambers versus foam fractionators for solids filtration and to compare external biofilters to the biofloc approach as biofiltration strategies. Sixteen 1-m³ round, polyethylene tanks were randomly assigned to four treatments, each of which had four replicate tanks. Eight biofloc systems were established: four using settling chambers for solids control (BF-S) and four using foam fractionators (BF-F). The other eight tanks used external biofilters; four had settling chambers (EB-S) and the other four had foam fractionators (EB-F). All 16 systems were stocked with 250 shrimp at an average size of 4.3 g which were grown for 85 days. There were no significant differences in shrimp production between treatments; however, variability was high in biofloc systems. Nitrite levels were significantly lower in systems with fractionators compared to systems with settling chambers. The concentrations of dissolved Na, Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba in the water were significantly reduced in treatments with settling chambers. The results of this study show that filtration choices significantly impact short- and long-term water quality and reusability but may not have much effect on shrimp production in the short-term.     

Effects of stocking density, periphyton substrate and supplemental feed on biological processes affecting water quality in earthen tilapia–prawn polyculture ponds

The technical and economic potentials of tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), and giant river prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man), polyculture in periphyton-based systems are under investigation in an extensive research programme. This article is a combined analysis of data from four experiments exploring the effects of periphyton, fish, prawn and feed on water quality. Factor analysis and ancova models applied to the combined dataset allowed to identify the underlying ecological processes governing the system, and construct conceptual graphic models of the periphyton–environment relationships observed. With the first factor, variability in water quality was due to autotrophic (photosynthesis and nutrient uptake) and heterotrophic (respiration and decomposition) processes affecting water quality in opposite directions. With the second factor, variability was related to decomposition on the bottom and nutrient release into the water column, algae production and sedimentation. The analysis of the relationships between both factors and the growth rates of tilapia and prawn in the different systems allowed a better understanding of the functioning of tilapia–prawn ponds, and indicates that their joint culture is technically feasible and economically viable. Therefore, this technology is recommended for poverty alleviation and nutritional security in rural Bangladesh as well as in other countries of the region.     

The effects of water additive Bacillus cereus and Pediococcus acidilactici on water quality,growth performances,economic benefits,immunohematology and bacterial flora of whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei Boone, 1931) reared in earthen ponds

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of two probiotics, Bacillus cereus and Pediococcus acidilactici, on the water quality, growth performance, the survival ratio, economic benefits, immunohematology and bacterial flora in the intestine of whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei after 110 days. Nine earthen ponds (each one 1.2 hectare) were adjusted as three treatments including control (without adding bacteria), containing P. acidilactici probiotic (10⁶ CFU/mL) and containing B. cereus probiotic (10⁶ CFU/mL). The results showed that the adding B. cereus and P. acidilactici to the water pond positively decreased nitrate, ammonia and biochemical oxygen demand when compared with the control group (p < .05). Regarding growth performance, treating shrimp with B. cereus caused significantly higher weight gain (16.72 g) and survival ratio (94.50%) in comparison with control group (p < .05). Using these probiotics could increase shrimp production (27.30%, 18.42%) and net income (92.94%, 49.20%) as well. Respect to immunity, total hemocyte count (9.00), total protein (8.92 g/dl) and lysozyme activity (21.55 U/ml) in treated whiteleg shrimp with B. cereus were significantly higher than those untreated (p < .05). In conclusion, adding B. cereus (10⁶ CFU/ml) to the earthen pond can be suggested in shrimp farm.     

Phosphorus,total ammonia nitrogen and chlorophyll a from fish cages in a tropical lake (Lake Palminhas,Espirito Santo,Brazil)

Cage fish farming in natural and artificial lakes has become increasingly popular in recent years in tropical countries. The most commonly farmed tropical fish species is the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.). The aim of this study was to characterize the concentration of phosphorus, total ammonia nitrogen and chlorophyll a from existing fish farms (FF) in Lake Palminhas, located in Linhares/ES, Brazil. Three transects were drawn from 0 to 500 m from each of the four FF (FF1 to FF4) in the lake during six trials (three in the rainy season and three in the dry season). The lake presented a monomictic‐hot pattern, with stratification during the rainy season. Dilution of the monitored parameters did not occur sufficient over a distance of up to 500 m from the FF. The location of the FF in the lake and the input of N and P were critical to ensure optimal mixing conditions because the worst results was observed for the fish farm (FF1) located on a finger of the lake, where the highest concentrations of total phosphorus and chlorophyll a occurred. It was also noted that there was possible total phosphorus interference between FF3 and FF4. The results of this study demonstrate that Lake Palminhas had a low dilution power, and these findings may inform environmental assessments of cage fish farming in this region, providing instruments that may support environmental control of cage fish farming.     

Effects of linalool on physiological responses of Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758) and water physico‐chemical parameters during transportation

This study investigated the potential of linalool as an anaesthetic during transportation of common carp, Cyprinus carpio. The fish were transported at a loading density of ~103 g/L for 3 hr in 12 plastic bags (3 L water and 6 L pure oxygen) divided into four triplicated treatments: control (without linalool), L50 (50 mg linalool/L), L100 (100 mg linalool/L) and L200 (200 mg linalool/L). After 3‐hr transportation, serum physiological responses and water physico‐chemical parameters were compared among the treatments. Results showed that water total and un‐ionized ammonia increased and dissolved oxygen decreased in all treatments after transportation. Water total ammonia and dissolved oxygen levels in the linalool‐treated bags were significantly lower than the control. After transportation, the control fish showed significant elevation in serum cortisol and glucose levels; however, the levels were significantly lower than the linalool‐treated fish. All fish showed similar serum lactate levels, significantly lower than the value obtained before transportation. The control fish showed serum urea levels similar to the level obtained before transportation; however, the linalool‐treated fish had significantly higher serum urea levels compared to the control and before transportation levels. After transportation, all fish had decreased serum chloride and sodium levels compared to the before transport level. Overall, the present results showed that linalool is not beneficial for carp transportation in plastic bags, because it reacts with water oxygen, increases stress in fish, interferes with ammonia excretion and has no benefits in preventing ion loss.     

Growth,morphometrics and nutrient content of farmed eastern oysters,Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin), in New Hampshire,USA

When harvested, oysters represent a removal from the ecosystem of nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and carbon (C). A number of factors potentially affect nutrient content, but a quantitative understanding across the geographical range of the eastern oysters is lacking. This study was designed to quantify the relationships among various metrics of farmed eastern oysters near its northern geographical range focusing on nutrient content. Hatchery‐reared oysters were deployed in polyethylene bags at six sites, and were measured on multiple occasions from 2010 to 2012. A quadratic polynomial fit to the combined datasets for shell height indicated that on average a ‘cocktail’ size oyster (63 mm shell height) would be reached after 2 year, and ‘regular’ size (76 mm) would require 3 year. There were significant differences in growth rates and oyster nutrient content among the sites; means for %N in soft tissue ranged from 6.9 to 8.6, and 0.07 to 0.18 in shell. Per cent N in soft tissue and shell were highest at two sites at the mouths of rivers with elevated dissolved inorganic N concentrations in the water. Grand means (all sites, seasons and years combined) of soft tissue N and C for regular size oysters were 7.3% and 38.5%, respectively; and for shell N and C were 0.13% and 12.0% respectively. Our study extends the range of data on nutrient content of the eastern oyster to northern New England, and indicates that oyster size, seasonality, and nutrient concentration in ambient water potentially affect %N and %C content of oysters.     

Total egg harvest by the calanoid copepod Acartia tonsa (Dana) in intensive culture – effects of high stocking densities on daily egg harvest and egg quality

Understanding the factors limiting copepod productivity in dense cultures is a prerequisite for the partial or entire replacement of Artemia and rotifers as live feed for finfish larvae. In dense cultures, high encounter rates between individuals may increase stress, cannibalism incidents and potentially trigger resting egg production. We conducted an experiment to evaluate the potential egg production and egg quality of Acartia tonsa stocked at densities ranging from 10 to >5000 ind. L^?1. Egg Production (EP), Delayed Hatching Eggs production (DHE), hatching success (HS), egg mortality and water quality were used as end points. In the present system, A. tonsa was raised at >5000 ind. L^?1 without affecting the mortality, confirming that attaining this high density in culture is possible. However, egg harvest reached an optimum of 12 000 egg L^?1 day^?1 at ~2500 ind. L^?1 indicating that increasing stocking density above this level is not of practical interest. Calculations showed that the loss in egg harvest at stocking densities <2500 ind. L^?1 is of 1.3% for every additional 100 adult copepods L^?1. The increasing adult density did not affected the proportion of DHE produced (~10% of harvest) but decreased significantly the HS, though not to a point that would be problematic in a commercial production. Understanding the biology of copepods when stocked at high density is important to improve copepod culture systems and increase egg harvest yields. Technical solutions such as the continuous separation of eggs from adults in the water column, recirculation and the continuous provision of food are seen as potential solutions.     

The effects of variation in feed protein level on the culture of white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) in low-water exchange experimental ponds

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of varying dietary protein level on pond water quality and production parameters of white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone). Experimental units consisted of nine 400‐m² earthen ponds with a low water exchange. Two treatments were tested: treatment HP consisted of shrimp fed a high‐protein diet (40%) during the whole grow‐out, and treatment LP consisted of the use of a low‐protein diet for the complete farming period. No differences on any of the water quality parameters were observed among treatments. Excellent survival (over 85%) and feed conversion ratios (around 1.6), and acceptable growth (over 12 g) and biomass (from 1721 to 1793 kg ha^?1) were recorded in all experimental ponds. No significant differences in any of the production parameters were found among treatment groups.     

Effects of formalin on water quality and parasitic monogeneans on silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus Mitchell) in earthen ponds

Infestations of parasitic monogenean trematodes (Lepidotrema bidyana and Gyrodactylus sp.) on freshwater silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus Mitchell) in earthen ponds were treated with formalin (37% formaldehyde). Concentrations of 30 and 40 mg L^?1 formalin were effective, but fish in ponds treated with 20 or 25 mg L^?1 remained infested. At temperatures of 24.1–26.9°C, concentrations of 30 or 40 mg L^?1 formalin caused dissolved oxygen (DO) to decline from 10.1–11.9 to 3.0–3.3 and 1.2–1.7 mg L^?1, respectively, within 36–42 h of treatment. In addition, pH declined from 7.2–8.4 to 6.3–6.7, within 36 h and turbidity decreased over 48 h. In the ponds where DO was 1.2–1.7 mg L^?1, silver perch showed signs of severe stress, but continuous aeration (10 hp ha^?1) for 3 days and inflow of well‐oxygenated water for 6–8 h prevented mortalities. At temperatures of 13.2–15.7°C, concentrations of 30 or 40 mg L^?1 formalin caused DO to decline from 9.0–10.0 to 6.0–8.1 mg L^?1 and pH from 7.0–7.3 to 5.9–6.6 within 72 h. Total ammonia‐nitrogen increased over 72 h in ponds treated with 30 or 40 mg L^?1 formalin. Fish became re‐infested with L. bidyana in all ponds within 30 days of treatment. A concentration of 30 mg L^?1 formalin is recommended as a treatment for monogeneans on silver perch in ponds, but aeration is necessary to maintain adequate water quality at higher temperatures.