Hatchery production of Florida red tilapia seed in brackishwater tanks: the influence of broodstock age

Abstract. Production of Florida red tilapia seed (eggs, sacfry and fry) in 34-m² above-ground tanks using recirculated brackishwater (12 ppt) was studied over a 5-month period on Lee Stocking Island (Exuma Cays, Bahamas). Four tanks were stocked with year class 1 (YCI) breeders, while 2 tanks were stocked with year class 2 (YCII) breeders at densities of 200 and 240/tank (5·9 and 7·1/m²), respectively, and at a sex ratio of 3 females to 1 male, beginning in November 1988. Seed production was measured by removing free-swimming fry from tanks and eggs and sacfry from the mouths of brooding females, and assessing the number of each at 15 to 16-day intervals from February to June 1989. Average seed production (seed/m²/day) was significantly higher in YCI (52·3) than in YCII (36·0) broodstock, indicating the advantages of replacing broodstock with yearling breeders each year.     

Culture of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), at three stocking densities in outdoor concrete tanks using drainage water

Abstract. Effects of stocking density on water quality and on the growth, survival and food conversion of Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus) were evaluated. Fingerlings of tilapia (average weight 40.25 ± 94 g) were stocked in six 3.75-m³ concrete tanks at 16, 32 and 42.6/m³ and reared for 164 days. A water flow rate of 1 l/min/kg fish biomass was maintained in all the tanks. The growth rate was inversely related to stocking density with mean weights of 337.25g, 327.0g and 323.5g at the low, medium and high densities respectively. At harvest, standing crop biomass averaged 5.36 kg, 10.44kg and 13.24kg for the three densities. The respective food conversion ratios (FCR) were 1.85, 1.88 and 1.95, while the survival rates were 99.2, 99.6 and 95.9%. However, the survival rate, growth rate and food conversion efficiencies were not significantly different at the three stocking densities. Water quality did not deteriorate in different tanks as the oxygen was continuously replenished and metabolites and waste products removed by the water flowing through the tanks. These data suggest that culture of tilapia at a density of 42.6/m³ and production of 13.24 kg/m³ in 164 days with a production of 18–20 kg/m³ in a growing season (April-October) of 210 days is possible using the drainage water in flow-through water systems.     

Effects of Diffused Aeration and Stocking Density on Growth, Feed Conversion, and Production of Florida Red Tilapia in Cages

The effects of four levels of diffused aeration (0, 6, 12, and 24 hours/day) and two stocking densities (400 and 600 fish/m³) on the culture performance of caged Florida red tilapia were evaluated in 1 m³ cages in a 2 ha watershed pond on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Fish obtained a nutritionally-complete (36% protein), floating feed from demand feeders for 143 to 146 days. Diffused aeration had no significant ( P > 0.05) effect on fish growth, survival, feed conversion, and production in cages. Combined across all levels of diffused aeration, fish stocked at 400/cage had a greater growth rate (2.21 vs. 1.97 g/day), larger final body weight (370 vs. 335 g), and a lower feed conversion ratio (1.69 vs. 1.80) than fish stocked at 600/cage ( P < 0.05). The final biomass of fish stocked at the higher density (181 kg/m³) was greater than at the lower density (140 kg/m³). The enhancement of water exchange rates by diffused aeration did not increase tilapia growth rate or production in cages.     

Overwintering tilapia, Oreochromis spilurus (Günther), fingerlings using warm underground sea water

Abstract.
The study was conducted to develop guidelines for high-density overwintering of tilapia in tanks using warm underground sea water. Seawater-acclimated fish of 20 g were stocked in 36 tanks at 250, 500 and 750/m³. Water flow was regulated at 0.1 and 0.2 l/kg fish/min. Fish were fed at the rates of 0.75% and 1.0% of biomass per day.
After 135 culture days, the mean individual weight gain and specific growth rate decreased, whereas feed conversion increased significantly ( P <0.0001) with the increase in stocking density. The condition factor at 500 and 750 fish/m³ was significantly lower ( P <0.0005) than at 250 fish/m³. However, stocking density had no significant effect on the survival rate. Significantly better specific growth rate, condition factor and feed conversion were observed at a water flow rate of 0.2 l/kg fish/min than at 01 l/kg fish/min. Significantly higher mean individual weight gain, specific growth rate, and survival rate were observed at 1.0%/day than at the 0.75%/day feeding rate. The findings indicate that the optimum stocking density for overwintering tilapia in tanks using warm underground sea water is 750 fish/m³ with a water flow rate of 0.1 l/kg fish/min and a feeding rate of 0.75%/day.     

Effects of Stocking Density and Monosex Culture of Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii on Growth and Production in Concrete Tanks in Saudi Arabia

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of stocking density and monosex culture on growth, survival, yield and feed conversion ratio of freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii in concrete tanks. Juvenile prawns with an average weight of 1.8 g were stocked into triplicate tanks at densities of 5, 10, 15 and 20 prawns/m², grown for 168 d and fed a 34% tilapia diet. Stocking density had significant effect on prawns. Final mean body weight decreased with the increasing density, being highest at 5 prawns/m² (29.6 9). and lowest at 20 prawns/m² (17.4 g). Total yield increased from 135 g/m² (1,350 kg/ha) at a density of 5 prawns/m² to 261 g/m² (2,610 kg/ha) at density 15/m^z to 245 g/m² (2,450 kg/ha) at 20/m^z. Feed conversion ratios were high and ranged from 3.7 (5 prawns/m²) to 5.6 (20 prawns/m²).
In monosex culture of freshwater prawns stocked in triplicate tanks at a density of 5 prawns/m² for 112 d, the all-male population had the best growth performance and feed conversion ratio, followed by the mixed-sex and all-female populations. The all-male population had 99% marketable prawns (>20 g) with an average yield of 159 g/m² (1,590 kg/ha); the mixed-sex population had 90% marketable prawns and the yield was 135 g/m^z (1,350 kg/ha); and the all-female population had 75% marketable prawns with an average yield of 108 g/m² (1,080 kgha).     

Food Production and Water Conservation in a Recirculating Aquaponic System in Saudi Arabia at Different Ratios of Fish Feed to Plants

An indoor aquaponic system (i.e., the integration of fish culture with hydroponic plant production in a recirculating setup) was operated for maximizing water reuse and year-round intensive food production (Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus , and leaf lettuce) at different fish feed to plants ratios. The system consisted of a fish culture component, solid removal component, and hydroponic component comprising six long channels with floating styrofoam rafts for holding plants. Fish culture effluents flowed by gravity from the fish culture component to the solid removal component and then to the hydroponic component. Effluents were collected in a sump from which a 1-horsepower in-line pump recirculated the water back to the fish culture tanks at a rate of about 250 L/min. The hydroponic component performed as biofilter and effectively managed the water quality. Fish production was staggered to harvest one of the four fish tanks at regular intervals when fish attained a minimum weight of 250 g. Out of the total eight harvests in 13 mo, net fish production per harvest averaged 33.5 kg/m³ of water with an overall water consumption of 320 L/kg of fish produced along with the production of leaf lettuce at 42 heads/m² of hydroponic surface area. Only 1.4% of the total system water was added daily to compensate the evaporation and transpiration losses. A ratio of 56 g fish feed/m² of hydroponic surface effectively controlled nutrient buildup in the effluents. However, plant density could be decreased from 42 to 25–30 plants/m² to produce a better quality lettuce.     

Effect of population density on the growth, feed and protein conversion efficiency and biochemical composition of a tropical freshwater catfish, Mystus nemurus (Cuvier & Valenciennes)

Abstract. Six groups of tropical freshwater catfish, Mystus nemurus (Cuvier & Valenciennes)(mean weight. 20·45 ± l·5g), were reared in 0·34m³ fibreglass tanks at different stocking densities (105, 195, 285, 375, 465 and 555 specimens/m³ water) for 84 days. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of various stocking densities on the growth, nutrition, biochemical composition and survival of M. nemurus. The lowest growth rate appeared in fish at the highest density and the highest was observed in fish stocked in moderate density of 285 and 375 fish/m³ water. Fish production was also lower at relatively low stocking densities of 105 and 195 fish/m³. Food conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and biochemical composition of M. nemurus indicate that there exists an optimum stocking density which lies between 285 and 375 fish/m³.     

Salinity During Early Development Influences Growth and Survival of Florida Red Tilapia in Brackish and Seawater

Growth of juvenile Florida red tilapin (1.57 g average weight) spawned and sex-reversed (monosex male) at salinities of 4 ppt and 18 ppt was compared at rearing salinities of 18 ppt and 36 ppt in 200 L aquaria under controlled photoperiod (12 L:12 D) and temperature (28 C). Growth was significantly higher for progeny spawned at 18 ppt than those spawned at 4 ppt under both rearing salinities with no difference observed between 18 ppt and 36 ppt.
In another experiment, growth of juvenile progeny (0.98 g average weight) spawned and sex-reversed at salinities of 2 ppt and 18 ppt was compared in 24 m³ outdoor pools at 36 ppt. When water temperatures exceeded 27 C, growth and survival were not significantly different between these groups. However, when temperatures fell below 25 C, growth and survival were significantly higher among progeny spawned at 18 ppt.
The results showed that progeny spawned and reared through early ontqenetic development in brackishwater are better adapted for growth in brackish and seawater and suggested that these fish may have higher resistance to cold-stress in seawater than progeny spawned in freshwater.     

Production of Australian Red Claw Cherax quudricarinatus in Polyculture with Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

Abstract— Australian red claw crayfish Cherax quudricarinurus were cultured in monoculture and in polyculture with male Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloricus in nine 0.02-ha earthen ponds. Red claw with an average weight of 7 g were stocked in all ponds at 2/ m². Tilapia with an average weight of 19 g were stocked in six ponds at either 0.5 or 1/m². A sinking 32% fish diet and dry alfalfa hay was provided to all ponds as feed and forage. After 135 d, red claw survival was similar (19–24%) in all treatments while average weights were 76 g in monoculture and 48 g in both polyculture treatments. Lower than expected survival was a result of stress caused by poor shipping conditions. Tilapia survivals were similar (84–90%) in all ponds and had an average weight of 403 g when stocked at 1/m² and 444 g when stocked at 0.5/m². Red claws are generally considered non-aggressive, especially when compared with other clawed crustaceans. This lack of aggressiveness is suggested as a cause for decreased growth in polyculture with tilapia.     

Production of Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii Stocked at Different Densities in Polyculture Systems in Brazil

Abstract.— The effect of stocking prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii at increasing densities in ponds with Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus reared at low density was evaluated. Twelve 0.01-ha earthen ponds were stocked with 1 tilapia/m² and 0, 2, 4, or 6 postlarvae prawn/m². Three replicates were randomly assigned to each prawn density. Postlarval prawns were stocked a week prior to tilapia juveniles and both were harvested 175 d after the beginning of the experiment. Tilapia final average weight, survival, production, and food conversion rates did not differ significantly among treatments ( P > 0.05); the averages were 531 g, 67%. 3,673 kg/ha, and 1.91, respectively. Prawn survival rates did not differ for the three stocking densities (mean 90%). However, final weight and production were significantly different ( P < 0.05) as follows: 34.0, 23.0, and 14.7 g and 639, 909, and 818 kg/ha, respectively for 2. 4, and 6 prawns/m² densities. Stocking densities up to 6 prawn/m² did not affect tilapia production and required neither additional feeding nor significant changes in management. The polyculture system allowed an increase in total production with the same amount of supplied feed, thus improving the system sustainability.     

Effect of Salinity on Hatching in Neobenedenia melleni, a Monogenean Ectoparasite of Seawater-Cultured Tilapia

Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the effect of salinity on embryonic development and hatching in Neobenedenia melleni , a monogenean ectoparasite of seawater-cultured (37 ppt) Florida red tilapia ( Oreochromis urolepis hornorum × O. mossambicus ). Eggs, collected from adult monogeneans at 37 ppt, were exposed to different salinities (0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 37 ppt) for 48, 72 or 96 h. Varying degrees of post-treatment development and hatching occurred when natural seawater conditions were restored. Hatching success generally declined with decreasing salinity and increasing duration of exposure. Under all durations of exposure, hatching success remained relatively high (≥ 69.6%) at salinities of 24 ppt and above, but declined markedly (≤ 32.5%) at lower salinities. Hatching did not occur in eggs exposed to fresh water (0 ppt) for 72 and 96 h. The most effective treatments in preventing hatching, other than prolonged exposure to fresh water, were 96 h exposures to low-salinity brackish water. Percent hatch after 96 h exposure to 6, 12 and 18 ppt was 5.5, 11.9 and 5.8%, respectively.     

Optimum Density of Red Tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus×O. urolepis hornorum in a Pulsed-Flow Culture System

Abstract.— Densities of 9 tilapia (hybrid Oreochromis mossambicus × O. urolepis hornorum)/m³ gave the highest production among five densities (1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 fish/m³) tested in a pulsed-flow culture system. Culture of fish in irrigation ditches may have great potential for integrating fish farming with irrigated agriculture. Each 1,000 meters of ditch could potentially produce up to 1,400 kg of tilapia during a 112-d growing season.     

Intensive Culture Potential of Penaeus vannamei

Tank and pond rearing studies were conducted to assess the potential for intensive culture of Penaeus vannamei in South Carolina. Postlarvae were stocked in intensive nursery tanks at 500/ m². Growth and survival were compared for shrimp reared in control fiberglass tanks and in tanks with artificial substrates (fiberglass screen). Addition of substrate improved survival (82% versus 58%), but not growth. Juvenile shrimp (mean weight, 1.3 g) from the nursery trial were stocked into 6 m diameter tanks at densities of 10, 20 and 40/m². Growth rate was inversely related to stocking density, with mean sizes of 33.9, 32.5, and 26.7 g attained at the low, medium, and high densities respectively after 168 days. At harvest, standing crop biomass averaged 225.6, 442.0, and 685.4 g/m² for the three densities. To further test the intensive culture potential, two 0.1 ha ponds were stocked with hatchery-reared postlarvae at densities of approximately 40 and 45/m². The ponds were managed intensively using paddlewheel aerators and water exchange averaging 16–17%/day. The ponds were harvested after 138 and 169 days and yielded 6,010 kg/ha of 16.7 g (mean weight) shrimp and 7,503 kg/ha of 17.9 g shrimp, respectively. Average production was 6,757 kg/ha with a food conversion of 2.51. These data suggest good potential for intensive pond culture of P. vannamei in South Carolina and other areas of the continental United States.     

Dominant red colour morphology used to detect paternal contamination in batches of Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) gynogens

Abstract. Gynogenetic (meiotic) Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) lines can be produced easily with the simple ultraviolet (UV) spermatozoan irradiation technique detailed in this study. One hundred per cent haploid gynogens were achieved by eggs fertilized with UV-irradiated (254 nm, 4.2 W/m² for 7 min) red tilapia spermatozoa. Survival of the haploid gynogens were 5% and all haploid fry were deformed. Hybridization between female O. mossambicus and male red tilapia produced 100% red offspring. Thus the red colour can be used as a marker to identify fish that are not gynogens. Activation of eggs with 7-min UV-irradiated spermatozoa from red tilapia and subsequent heat shocking at 42⁰C for 3 min resulted in 100% diploid gynogens (black).     

Production of Florida red tilapia in seawater pools: Nursery rearing with chicken manure and growout with prepared feed

Florida red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) were reared in 23 m³ seawater (37 ppt) pools. Monosex males (1.3 g mean weight) were stocked at a density of 25 fish/m³ and reared to fingerling size (>10 g) in pools receiving either chicken manure applied at a rate of 105 kg/ha day⁻¹ or pelletized feed (30% protein) administered ad libitum. Following the nursery period, fingerlings in fed pools were reared through adult, marketable sizes.

After 20 days of nursery rearing, mean fish weights (5.7–9.6 g) and survival (77.5–98.6%) in manured pools ranged from less than to greater than values in fed pools (7.9–9.4 g and 95.5–98.2%). By day 33, while mean weights (11.3±0.4 g) and survival (84.5±5.2%) in manured pools were significantly less than those in fed pools (18.0±0.6 g and 95.9±1.4%), fingerling-size fish were obtained from manured pools at an overall productivity of 55 kg/ha day⁻¹.

After 170 days in fed pools, mean fish weight was 467±9 g, survival was 89.7±0.9%, and food conversion was 1.6±0.2. Daily weight gain achieved a maximum of 4.4 g day before a rapid decline in water temperature from 28–29°C to 24–25°C caused a loss of fish appetite and evidence of disease.

The results suggest that while nursery rearing of Florida red tilapia in seawater pools fertilized with chicken manure is feasible, considerable variability in fish performance among pools can be expected, despite identical management methods. In pools receiving prepared feed, high growth rates and survival through adult, marketable sizes suggests a potential for commercial production of Florida red tilapia in seawater.     

Density and Water Exchange-Dependent Growth and Survival of Litopenaeus setiferus Postlarvae

This present study was designed to investigate the effects of stocking density and water exchange on the growth rate, survival and performance index of L. setiferus postlarvae under controlled laboratory conditions. The experiment was done with postlarvae (PL10 to PL40) at densities of 50, 150, 250 and 350 shrimp/m² and various different water exchanges rate per day (0, 6, 12 and 18%). The maximum growth rate was obtained for shrimp with 12% water exchange per day at all densities. A reduction of the maximum growth rate was observed in relation to density with the highest values in shrimp stocked in a density of 50 and 150 shrimp/m² (mean value of 0.53 mg/d) and the lowest in shrimp stocked in a density of 350 shrimp/m² (0.24 mg/d). The multiple regression equation obtained to relate performance index (growth rate* survival : PI), shrimp density (X₁) and water exchange (X₂) was: PI = 0.31 + (0.001) X₁+ 0.039 X₂+ 2.28 × 10⁻⁶ X₁²+ (−0.0017) X₂²+ (0.000026)X₁X₂, R ²= 0.78; P > 0.03. According to this equation the optimum shrimp density-water exchange comhination was between 5 to 12% of water exchange at stocking density of between 50 and 150 shrimp/m². Salinity, ammonia-N and nitrite-N increased according to the time spent in tanks without water exchange. With no (0%) water exchange, water quality parameters measured were outside the optimum for L. setiferus postlarvae. The use of optimum density and water exchange in a nursery system for L. setiferus with optimum variables established is proposed.     

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.     

Survival and Growth of Red Drum Sciaenops ocellatus in Saline Groundwaters of West Texas, USA

Abstract.— West Texas saline groundwaters were assessed as potential media for culturing red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus . In 30-d bioassays with juvenile red drum (0.4–3.0 g), highest survival was 85% in a 5-ppt (parts per thousand = g/L) salinity, high-sulfate (1,723 mg/L SO₄^-2), high-calcium (427 mg/L Ca^±2) groundwater from a windmill catchment pond in Pecos County. The lowest survival was 0% in a 35-ppt saline groundwater from a gravel pit, also in Pecos County. In complementary bioassays of low-salinity (<5 ppt) groundwaters from the same region, calcium chloride (CaCl₂) addition to a 3-ppt. Reeves County ground-water low in Ca^±2 resulted in the greatest increase in survival (0–93). It was unclear whether the beneficial effect of CaCl₂ was a result of increasing Ca^±2 concentration (36–336 mg/L), increasing Cl^- concentration (639–1,296 mg/L). or both. The concentration of total dissolved solids ("salinity") appears to be the single most important consideration in estimating the red drum aquaculture potential of a groundwater, with the optimum salinity being 5–15 ppt. Concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and selenium (Se) tended to be higher in west Texas groundwaters than in typical U. S. surface waters. However, based on current maximum tolerable daily intake recommendations, red drum cultured for 30 d in west Texas groundwaters contained whole-body As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, and Se concentrations that would not pose a substantial health risk to adult human consumers.     

Effect of Fish Density During Transportation on Stress and Mortality of Juvenile Tambaqui Colossoma macropomum

The increased demand for juvenile tambaqui Colossoma macropomum for grow-out ponds and stocking programs in the Amazon state of Brazil has increased the transportation of this species. This study was designed to determine the optimum density of juvenile tambaqui during transportation in closed containers. Fish (51.9 ± 3.3 g and 14.9 ± 0.4 cm) were packed in sealed plastic bags and transported for 10 h at four densities: 78, 156, 234, and 312 kg/m³. After transportation, fish from each density were kept in separate 500-L tanks for 96 h. Mortality, 96-h cumulative mortality, water quality, and blood parameters (hematocrit, plasma cortisol, and glucose) were monitored. Fish mortality after transportation was significantly lower at densities of 78 and 156 kg/m³ than at 234 and 312 kg/m³. Cumulative mortality was significantly lower at a density of 78 kg/m³. Dissolved oxygen after 10 h of transportation remained high at a density of 78 kg/m³, but reached critically low values at all other densities. Ammonia concentration was highest at the lowest density and was lower at higher densities. Carbon dioxide concentration was lowest at the density of 78 kg/m³ but higher in the other treatments. Plasma glucose and cortisol increased significantly immediately after transportation at densities of 156, 234, and 312 kg/m³, returning to control values by 24 h. The best density for juvenile tambaqui during a 10-h transportation haul in a closed container was 78 kg/m³. At this density there was no fish mortality, water quality was kept within acceptable values, and fish were not stressed.     

Preliminary study on the production of the tilapia, Oreochromis spilurus (Günther), cultured in seawater cages

Abstract. A preliminary study was conducted to assess the performance of the tilapia, Oreochromis spilurus (Günther), cultured in seawater cages at different stocking densities during the nursing and rearing phases. The stocking densities tested were 200, 400 and 600 fish/m³ during the nursing phase and 100, 200, and 300 fish/m³ during the rearing phase.
In both growth phases, no significant differences (P>0.05) were observed among the different stocking densities on the mean individual final weight, daily growth rate, feed conversion ratio and survival rate. Yields in cages stocked with 400 and 600 fish/m³ during the nursing phase, however, were significantly (P<0.05) higher compared with cages stocked with 200 fish/m³. No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed between 400 and 600 fish/m³. A density of 600/m³ is therefore considered to be optimum for the nursing phase.
Yields of cages during the rearing phase increased significantly (P<0.01) with the increase in stocking density. After grading the fish, however, no significant differences (P>0.05) were observed when only fish bigger than 150g were considered. The occurrence of exophthalmia (cataract) was observed in two of the four replicates at the highest stocking density (300 fish/m³) during the rearing stage. Therefore, a stocking density of 200 fish/m³ is considered optimum for the rearing phase.