Modelling oxygen consumption rates of post-smolt Atlantic salmon in commercial-scale,land-based farms

Oxygen consumption rates of post-smolt Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) were recorded during various growth trials at four land-based salmon farms in south-west Norway, during the period 1988–1992. Principle component analysis indicated that fish size, water temperature and current speed had the greatest influence on oxygen consumption of fish in all the farms. A multiple regression analysis showed that 70% of the variation in the oxygen consumption could be explained by these three parameters. The predicted effect of fish size, water temperature and current speed on oxygen consumption are consistent with those reported in studies conducted on salmonids held in tunnel respirometers. The model described in this study may be a useful tool for the estimation of oxygen and water requirements needed for the design and operation of land-based farms.     

Enhancing water use efficiency in monoculture of Litopenaeus vannamei: Impacts on pond water quality,waste production,water footprint and production performance

We studied the effect of rearing densities of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei in three densities with three replicate treatments [T₁: 0.4 million post-larvae (PL) ha⁻¹, T₂: 0.5 million PL ha⁻¹, T₃: 0.6 million PL ha⁻¹] and water cutback approach on rearing environment, water use efficiency, water footprint and production performance. Conditional water exchange was carried out based on water quality parameters. Water quality suitability index was very good (7.5–9.0) up to 13th, 10th and 5th week of culture in T₁, T₂ and T₃, respectively; which was attributed to rearing density, smaller-sized shrimp and low early feed input. Optimum rearing density of 50 PL m^-2 (T₂) led to total water use of 3.25 × 10⁴ m³. It was seeming as a way to improve shrimp productivity (10.58 t ha⁻¹ 120 d⁻¹), consumptive water use index (1.72 m³ kg^-1 biomass), total water footprint (1229 m³ t⁻¹ biomass) and net consumptive water productivity (USD 1.28 m^-3). L. vannamei culture with low to moderate water exchange as in T₂, helped uphold water quality suitable for the shrimp growth, improved water use efficiency (0.58 kg biomass m^-3 water), minimized sediment load (45.3 m³ t^-1 biomass), effluent outputs (0.63 × 10⁴ m³), pumping cost (USD 30.1 t⁻¹ biomass produced), and ratio of output value to the cost of cultivation (1.97). The findings and advancement in knowledge would offer the basis to augment shrimp rearing efforts and the water management approaches will help in preventing the production of waste and effluent while increasing water use efficiency and production performance.     

防病养虾塘水质管理模式

养殖中国对虾的试验塘，以防病养虾塘水质管理模式加以管理，养殖周期为８７－１５９天，取得较好的经济效益。虾塘水的主要理化因子基本符合要求，ＮＨ３－Ｎｔ〈１ｍｇ／，０．００５ｍｇ／Ｌ≤ＮＯ２≤０．０１６ｍｇ／Ｌ，溶氧处于过饱和状态，ＣＯＤＭｎ〈１２ｍｇ／Ｌ，池塘单位水柱毛产氧量约为７ｇ（ｍ＾２．ｄ），总耗氧量约为５－１１ｇ／（Ｌ．ｄ），并借助增氧机补足池水所缺需氧量。     

Water velocity in commercial RAS culture tanks for Atlantic salmon smolt production

An optimal flow domain in culture tanks is vital for fish growth and welfare. This paper presents empirical data on rotational velocity and water quality in circular and octagonal tanks at two large commercial smolt production sites, with an approximate production rate of 1000 and 1300 ton smolt/yr, respectively. When fish were present, fish density in the two circular tanks under study at Site 1 were 35 and 48 kg/m³, and that in four octagonal tanks at Site 2 were 54, 74, 58 and 64 kg/m³, respectively. The objective of the study was twofold. First, the effect of biomass on the velocity distribution was examined, which was accomplished by repeating the measurements in empty tanks under same flow conditions. Second, the effect of operating conditions on the water quality was studied by collecting and analysing the water samples at the tank’s inlet and outlet. All tanks exhibited a relatively uniform water velocity field in the vertical water column at each radial location sampled. When fish were present, maximum (40 cm/s) and minimum (25–26 cm/s) water rotational velocities were quite similar in all tanks sampled, and close to optimum swimming speeds, recommended for Atlantic salmon-smolt, i.e., 1–1.5 body lengths per second. The fish were found to decrease water velocity by 25% compared to the tank operated without fish. Flow pattern was largely affected by the presence of fish, compared to the empty tanks. Inference reveals that the fish swimming in the tanks is a major source of turbulence, and nonlinearity. Facility operators and culture tank designers were able to optimize flow inlet conditions to achieve appropriate tank rotational velocities despite a wide range of culture tank sizes, HRT’s, and outlet structure locations. In addition, the dissolved oxygen profile was also collected along the diametrical plane through the octagonal tank’s centre, which exhibits a close correlation between the velocity and oxygen measurements. All tanks were operated under rather intensive conditions with an oxygen demand across the tank (inlet minus outlet) of 7.4–10.4 mg/L. Estimates of the oxygen respiration rate in the tank appears to double as the TSS concentration measured in the tank increases from 3.0 mg/L (0.3 kg O₂/kg feed) up to 10–12 mg/L (0.7 kg O₂/kg feed). Improving suspended solids control in such systems may thus dramatically reduce the oxygen consumption and CO₂ production.     

The impact of varying feeding regimes on oxygen consumption and excretion of carbon dioxide and nitrogen in post-smolt Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L.

Oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide excretion and nitrogen excretion from 2 kg Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. were studied at land-based outdoor tanks, throughout a 10 day period. Fish were fed six feed rations (0 [fasting fish], 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, 0.60 and 0.75% BW day^-1) of commercially extruded dry feed at two provision regimes: between 07.00-09.00 h and 19.00–21.00 h (periodic feeding); and between 07.00-21.00 h (continuous feeding). Fish were acclimatized to the feeding regime for 5 days prior to the start of the experiment. From days 5 to 10 of the study, oxygen consumption was measured automatically every 15 min. During day 10, carbon dioxide excretion, ammonia and urea excretion were measured hourly throughout a 24 h period. During the experiment, the water temperature and salinity were 8.5C and 33.5 ppt, respectively. Significant linear relationships between feed ration and metabolic rates were evident. Increased feed ration influenced oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide excretion, ammonia and urea excretion, ammonia quotient and the respiration quotient, proportionally. The two feed provision regimes caused the establishment of different daily rhythms in metabolic excretion. Only small differences in total daily excretion were however recorded for each feed ration. Ammonia and respiratory quotient results clearly showed that fish became more dependent on fat oxidation as an energy source, when feed was restricted.     

不同放养量与水交换率对大菱鲆幼鱼的养殖效果及水质条件的影响

经过 6 0d的试验养殖 ,在每日 2、 4、6个循环水量的条件下 ,研究放养量从 0 .74～ 1.99kg/m2 大菱鲆 (Scophthalmusmaximus)幼鱼的平均体重增长、养殖成活率、饵料系数和养殖水中的溶解氧、氨氮含量等养殖生态状况。结果表明 ,日水循环量为 2个全量时 ,放养量为 1.5 4kg/m2 的实验组的平均体重增重与放养量低的实验组 (0 .75kg/m2 、1.0 1kg/m2 、1.31kg/m2 )平均体重增重无显著差异 (P >0 .0 5 ) ,而与高于此实验组 (1.74kg/m2 、1.99kg/m2 )的增重比较则差异显著 (P <0 0 5 ) ;水循环量的增加可以改善水质条件 ,加快幼鱼的生长速度 ,但对幼鱼的饵料系数影响不大。     

The effect of spectral composition and light intensity on melatonin, stress and retinal damage in post-smolt Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar

Metal halide lights are currently used as standard in commercial Atlantic salmon sea cages as a means of enhancing productivity through grilse inhibition. However, such systems create bright point light sources that are neither environment specific nor species specific and could potentially compromise fish welfare. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are a new form of lighting technology currently being developed for the fish farming industry that can be tuned to environment and species sensitivities through narrow bandwidth outputs. However, prior to implementing these new high energy alternatives, any potential adverse effects must be determined in fish. The objectives of this study were thus (1) to determine the effect of increasing intensities of blue LED light (0.199–2.7 W m^− 2, at 0.1 m from the light source) on light perception and stress response, and (2) to examine potential retinal damage under these conditions in post-smolt Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar. A white LED light was also tested, as well as a very high intensity metal halide positive control. Results demonstrated firstly that salmon perceived blue LED light (basal melatonin levels maintained) irrespective of intensity. Secondly, fish exposed to high intensity blue LED light showed an increase in plasma cortisol and glucose levels within 3 h, returning to a basal state 24 h post-light onset. This typical acute stress response was not observed in fish exposed to the white LED light and lower blue light intensities which could indicate differential sensitivities to spectral content of the light. No effects on the non-specific immune system (lysozyme activity) were observed. Finally, extensive histological examination of the retina from fish exposed to these various light treatments revealed no signs of damage. This demonstrates the efficiency of the adaptive mechanisms to light developed in fish.     

Improving feeding strategies for shrimp farming using fuzzy logic,based on water quality parameters

In intensive shrimp farming systems, formulated feed represents the main nutrition source and its adequate management significantly influences the economic feasibility of the farm. Based on that, the present study evaluated two dynamic feeding strategies: fuzzy logic (FL) and mathematical functions (MF). For both strategies, the temperature and dissolved oxygen were modified in a controlled way. A conventional feeding table was the control treatment. The results showed that DO was the parameter that mostly influences the feeding rate (74%) while the temperature also did it, but in a lower grade (26%). The results showed that feed conversion rate (FCR) was significantly better when the FL strategy was used, saving around 35% of feed when compared to the control. An expert system based on FL may replace the traditional feeding strategies with no significant adverse effects on growth, survival and FCR, and may easily be adapted to some other culture systems.     

An integrated recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for land-based fish farming: The effects on water quality and fish production

To mitigate the serious water pollution caused by the rapid expansion of the aquaculture industry in recent years, the development of improved aquaculture systems with more efficient water usage and less environmental impact has become essential. In this study, a land-based recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) was established that consisted of purification units (i.e., a primary biological pond, two parallel horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands [CWs], and a long ecological ditch) and 4-5 series-connected recirculating ponds. This system was mainly designed to stock channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), fifteen spine stickleback (Spinibarbus sinensis) and yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco), and the culture efficacy was evaluated based on a 2-year field experiment covering two growing seasons. According to the results, the primary biological pond played a role in sedimentation or nutrient retention, although this was not as evident when the CWs were functioning. The water flowing through the wetland system at a hydraulic loading rate (HLR) of 600 mm/day displayed lower values for the temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), suspended solids, organic matter and nutrients, whereas the electrical conductivity (EC) was higher, suggesting the accumulation of dissolved solids in the system. Due to the recirculation treatment, the trophic status of the recirculating ponds increased gradually along the direction of the flow and was notably lower in comparison to the control. As a result, the fish production responded to the variation of the water quality, which was reflected in the measurements of culture efficacy (final weight, survival rate, SGR and yield). The three main rearing species showed a decreasing trend along the direction of the flow, which was higher compared to the control, whereas an opposite trend was observed for filter-feeding fish. A Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the main culture species were inclined to live in meso- or oligotrophic conditions, and the silver carp adapted to more eutrophic conditions. Because RAS can provide better environmental conditions year-round, the present culture method could be more suitable for species that are sensitive to water quality in typical subtropical areas.     

国内外4种微颗粒饲料的水中稳定性及其对部分水质指标的影响

在相同的试验条件下,对比国内外4种商品微颗粒饲料的物理性状、浸泡过程中营养物质的溶失、浸泡液中有机氮及有机磷含量的差异,探讨了目前国内外微颗粒饲料的水中稳定性及其对部分水质指标的影响。结果表明,除微颗粒饲料D4的沉降速度较快外,其他3种相当;前5min溶失的物质是各种微颗粒饲料总失重量的大部分;国内外微颗粒饲料中的重要营养成分如：粗蛋白和粗脂肪含量有较大差异;浸泡30min时,各种微颗粒饲料中粗蛋白和粗脂肪含量前后波动幅度小;浸泡30min时,微颗粒饲料D1浸泡液中溶解有机磷含量是最低的,而溶解有机氮含量是最高的。可以看出,目前国内外商品微颗粒饲料的水中稳定性差异较大,这与各种微颗粒饲料的营养配方及加工工艺密切相关。     

芽孢杆菌对草鱼养殖水质的影响

为研究芽孢杆菌对草鱼养殖水质的影响,选取体重约45g的草鱼210尾,随机分为2组,每组设3个平行重复.对照组在水中不添加任何菌,处理组每隔7d分别向水中按照1×108 cfu/m3添加芽孢杆菌菌粉,二组均饲喂基础日粮.草鱼养殖水体水质测定结果表明:与对照组相比,第28天处理组氨氮含量比对照组下降29.17％(P＜0.05).亚硝酸盐氮含量无显著性差异且在0.39 mg/L以下.第14天时,处理组硝酸盐氮含量比对照组降低60.26％( P＜0.01),在第21天和第28天分别比对照组提高26.98％(P＜0.05)和67.85％(P＜0.01).处理组的总无机氮含量在21d内无显著差异,第28天时下降了15.39％(P＞0.05).养殖水体pH值维持在6.8～7.6,各组之间无显著差异.养殖水体中添加芽孢杆菌可降低氨氮含量,改善养殖水体水质.     

工厂化流水养鲍系统水质动态变化

于粤东工厂化杂色鲍(HaliotisdiverscolorReeve)养殖场的进水管、养鲍池、排水渠分别取水样,测定水中pH、DO、DIN及DIP的质量浓度C(X)。进水为自然海水经沉淀、过滤。池中水温为26 9～29 0℃,幼鲍养殖密度2500～3000ind/m2;成鲍放养密度为120笼/池,40个/笼,体重12g。观察实验共进行6天。结果显示,水质有一定程度的空间分布差异和时间变化。出水口水体DIP质量浓度、DIN质量浓度及COD质量浓度比进水水体明显增高,平均分别增高1.6、1.4和0.6倍,出水口水体DIP质量浓度20%观测值超过二类海水水质标准。出水水体C(DO)和pH略有降低,平均分别降低0.31mg/L和0.16。不同水质因子进、出水的变化程度依次是C(DIP)>C(DIN)>C(COD)>C(DO)>pH,C(DO)和pH的降低与C(DIP)、C(DIN)和C(COD)的增高有密切联系。连续注水的幼鲍池中C(DO)和pH从进水段、中段到出水段呈逐渐降低趋势,停止注水则段间差异消失。24h水质变化显示,池中C(DO)与pH在8∶00～16∶00高于20∶00～4∶00,C(COD)以午夜较高、20:00次之。这与杂色鲍昼伏夜动的生活习性有关,C(DO)和pH的时间变化还与水温的波动有关。从总体看,该流水体系中,水质基本满足我国相关水质标准的要求。     

脂肪和蛋白质水平对工业养殖大西洋鲑消化酶、非特异性免疫及水质的影响

为探讨脂肪和蛋白质水平对工业化养殖大西洋鲑相关消化酶活力、免疫及对水质指标的影响,采用3×2双因素试验设计(3脂肪水平:18%、21%、24%,即F18、F21、F24;2蛋白质水平:38%、48%,即P38、P48),形成6种实验处理的膨化配合颗粒料,每处理3重复,在工业化封闭循环海水养殖(RAS)条件下,选用初重(650.0±45.50)g大西洋鲑720尾进行56 d的养殖实验。结果显示:(1)F21可显著提高大西洋鲑胃、肠、肝脂肪酶活力,比低脂肪分别提高11.52%、14.63%、4.31%;P48使肠、肝胰蛋白酶活力分别提高8.23%、8.33%,且发现其活力水平远高于胃蛋白酶。(2)F18、P48可显著提高肠道AKP酶活力,F18比F21、F24分别提高18.61%、31.70%,P48比P38提高13.69%。(3)F21、F24可显著改善血清的抗氧化能力,F21比F18的SOD活力提高10.32%,同时MDA含量降低4.49%;P48有利于提高血清LZM活力及补体C3含量,P48比P38分别高9.49%、5.93%。(4)低蛋白质水平可显著降低水体中氨氮、硝酸盐的含量,P38比P48分别降低61.70%、28.36%;提高脂肪水平可降低水体氨氮含量,F21、F24比F18分别降低10.00%、8.20%。研究表明,饲料脂肪和蛋白质水平与消化吸收酶、非特异免疫、养殖水氨氮之间关系特征明显;适当提高脂肪水平有利于提高消化道脂肪酶活力,提高蛋白质水平有利于提高免疫力;低蛋白质和中高脂肪组合可有效降低大西洋鲑的氨氮排泄量。     

Diel rhythms of oxygen consumption rates of California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) under culture in a recirculating system

Diel oxygen consumption patterns were determined in this study for California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) 3.2, 4.4, 6.2, 7.5, 9.2, 11.8, 12.8 and 14.2 g and between 110.5, 113.8, 115.7, 117.9, 120.1, 126.5, 132.4, 140.6, and 165.6 g held under farm-like conditions. The concept farm-like refers to a fish rearing condition as close as possible to a farming operation in terms of density, loading, and daily management. Open respirometries were performed in culture raceways during 24 h cycles while fish were growing from 3.2 g up to 165.6 g to determine hourly oxygen consumption rates by mass balance calculations. Fish were offered feed continuously during 12 h (within the 16 h light phase) resulting in maximum daily oxygen consumption rates that were between 1.2 and 1.5 times the mean daily values. A typical diel oxygen consumption pattern of the smaller group of fish tested (range between 3.2 and 14.2 g) had a peak during the feeding period, and relatively low and falling oxygen consumption after feeding was stopped. Oxygen consumption of the larger group of fish (range between 110.5 and 165.6 g) showed a less marked diel variation and did not change significantly after feed was distributed. In conclusion, diel oxygen consumption rates for California halibut reported here are key bioengineering parameters to be used when designing and sizing a rearing facility for the intensive culture of California halibut.     

投喂发酵饲料对刺参能量收支、生长、酶活性及其养殖水质的影响

为探究发酵饲料在刺参(Apostichopus japonicus)苗种培育中的效果,本研究测定了投喂发酵饲料对刺参苗种能量收支、生长、非特异性免疫酶和消化酶活性的影响,同时,对比分析了1个倒池周期内投喂发酵和未发酵饲料养殖单元池水的重要水质指标差异.结果表明,在50 d的养殖实验周期内,投喂发酵饲料组刺参苗种的存活率...     

The effects of fish farm effluents on the water quality in the Åland archipelago, Baltic Sea

The main aim of this study was to increase our knowledge on how fish farm effluents influences the surface water quality in the Åland archipelago (Baltic Sea). A second aim was to conduct critical model tests of three models that predicts the impact of farm emitted phosphorus on total phosphorus (TP), chlorophyll and Secchi depth. Extensive field studies were conducted between 1997 and 1999 in nine defined coastal areas with, and four reference areas without, fish farms. According to our results the most significant effects on TP concentrations, periphytic growth and phytoplankton standing crop was observed in two coastal bays with small to moderate fish farm production (≈70 tonnes per year). The significant effects in each bay was mainly due to the small size of the bay (0.48 and 0.73 km²) and the shallow mean water depth (3 and 3.8 m), rather than long water retention times (2 and 6 days). Due to a very large fish farm production (800 tonnes per year), we also observed significant effects in a coastal area of moderate size (8 km²), which had a theoretical water retention time of about 8 days. No significant effects of fish farm effluents on the surface water quality were observed in the other six areas. Furthermore, our data shows that, besides the fish farm effluents, the import of nutrients from the surrounding sea and the sediment resuspension may have a decisive effect on the water quality in the studied areas. Finally, we can conclude that at least two of the tested models are useful in context of environmental management.     

Water quality fluctuations under floating net cages for fish culture in Lake Cirata and its impact on fish survival

ABSTRACT:   Vertical profiles of water quality were surveyed before and after mass mortality of fish cultured in cages in Lake Cirata, a man made lake in Indonesia. The first survey was performed 4 months before the mass mortality and the second survey was carried out 4 days after the mass mortality. In the first survey, the conditions below 8 m depth were reductive and anoxic, although at 8 and 10 m depth, the water became oxidative in spite of low oxygen concentration in the second survey. These changes were probably caused by strong mixing of surface water with deeper water. Eight months after the mass mortality, when the redox potential at 8 m became reductive again, exposure tests of fish were performed in different layers in the water column around the cage. During the exposure tests the redox potential of the water was less than −100 mV and 93% of carp died within 6 h of exposure at 8 m depth. These results indicated that the mass mortality was caused by the strong mixing of surface water with reductive water in deeper layers.     

海水工厂化养鱼多点在线水质监测系统的研究

对海水工厂化养鱼水质监测系统进行了研究，开发出一种多点在线水质监测系统，该系统集多路数据采集、测量、转换、计算、储存、显示、打印、报警等功能于一体，可同时在线监测6个不同监测点的水质情况；对每一个监测点，可同时监测其溶解氧、温度、电导率、pH、氧化还原电位、盐度等6个参数。     

Urea in feeds for sea water farmed Atlantic salmon: effect on growth, carcass quality and outbreaks of winter ulcer

The main objective of the present study was to evaluate whether dietary supplementation of urea might reduce the incidence of winter ulcer in sea water-farmed Atlantic salmon. Salmon destined to be S0 smolt were fed with a urea-supplemented diet (0 or 20 g kg⁻¹ urea) over an 8-week period prior to sea water transfer and were then fed supplemented diet (0, 5, 10 or 20 g kg⁻¹ urea) during the first and second winters in the sea. During the first winter positive relationships between dietary urea and plasma urea and between plasma urea and plasma osmolality were observed. Further, plasma osmolality displayed a negative relationship to mortality. Of the salmon that died during the first winter in the sea 90% had one or more skin ulcers. Both during the first and second winter there were fewer salmon with ulcer among fish fed with the diets supplemented with urea. Salmon fed with 20 g kg⁻¹ urea tended to have higher percentage water in the muscle. Mortality and incidence of salmon with ulcer seemed to relate to plasma osmolality amongst fish fed on diets that differed in levels of urea supplementation, suggesting that an osmotic imbalance may contribute to the development of winter ulcer in farmed salmon. Salmon fed with 20 g kg⁻¹ urea showed significantly greater body weight during the second winter in sea. Fish killed without prior starvation had significantly higher level of muscle urea in the 20 g kg⁻¹ urea group compared with fish fed with the unsupplemented diet. However, a 13-day starvation period reduced urea content in the muscle to the level of the control. No effects of dietary urea supplementation on the sensory quality of market size Atlantic salmon were observed.     

Effect of different biofloc levels on microbial activity,water quality and performance of Litopenaeus vannamei in a tank system operated with no water exchange

In zero-exchange superintensive culture systems, flocculated particles (bioflocs) accumulate in the water column. Consequently, some control over the concentration of these particles must be performed. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of three concentrations of bioflocs on microbial activity, selected water quality indicators and performance of Litopenaeus vannamei in a tank system operated with no water exchange. A 44-day study was conducted with juvenile (6.8 g) shrimp stocked in twelve 850 L tanks at a stocking density of 459 shrimp m⁻³. Biofloc levels were expressed as three presets of total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations, as follows: 200 mg L⁻¹ (T200), 400–600 mg L⁻¹ (T400–600), and 800–1000 mg L⁻¹ (T800–1000). TSS levels were controlled by attaching a 40 L settling tank to each culture tank. Reduction of TSS to concentrations close to 200 mg L⁻¹ decreased the time of bacterial cell residence and significantly reduced the nitrification rates in the water (P < 0.05). The tanks in the T200 treatment had a greater variability of ammonia and nitrite (P < 0.05), which led to the need to increase the C:N ratio of the organic substrate to control ammonia through its assimilation into heterotrophic bacterial biomass. But the higher production of heterotrophic bacteria in T200 (P < 0.05) increased the dissolved oxygen demand. Nitrification rates were higher (P < 0.05) in tanks with TSS concentrations above 400 mg L⁻¹, and ammonia and nitrite were significantly lower than in the T200 tanks. We suggest that ammonia and nitrite in the T400–600 and T800–1000 tanks were controlled primarily by nitrifying bacteria, which provided higher stability of these parameters and of dissolved oxygen. Regarding shrimp performance, the reduction of TSS to levels close to 200 mg L⁻¹ was associated with better nutritional quality of bioflocs. Nevertheless, differences in biofloc levels and nutritional quality were not sufficient to affect the weight gain by shrimp. The rate of shrimp survival and the final shrimp biomass were lower (P < 0.05) when the TSS concentrations were higher than 800 mg L⁻¹. Analysis of the shrimps’ gills showed a higher degree of occlusion in the T800–1000 treatment (P < 0.05), which suggests that the shrimp have an intolerance to environments with a solids concentration above 800 mg L⁻¹. Our results show that intermediate levels of bioflocs (TSS between 400 and 600 mg L⁻¹) appear to be more suitable to superintensive culture of L. vannamei since they create factors propitious for maintaining the system’s productivity and stability