Effect of water exchange, salinity regime, stocking density and diets on growth and survival of domesticated black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon (Fabricius, 1798) reared in sand-based recirculating systems

Abstract

The effect of water exchange, salinity regime, stocking density and diets on growth and survival of domesticated Penaeus monodon juveniles was evaluated in two independent experiments. In the first experiment, 1g-domesticated P. monodon juveniles were stocked at 10 animals per m2 in 1-m3 tanks to test two feeding regimes (mono diet of high protein pellets and a combination diet of high protein pellets and a fresh-food combination) and two rearing systems (a sand-based recirculation system with low water exchange; and a sand-based system with high rates of flow-through water). In the second experiment, performance of the animals was assessed when reared under 2 different water salinities and 2 stocking density treatments.Results of the two experiments indicated that the sand-based recirculation system with a water exchange at a rate of 5–10% a day and a combination diet of high protein pellets (55%) and a fresh-food combination consisting of 75% squid, 15% oyster and 10% blood cockle were suitable for the indoor rearing of the grow-out phase of P. monodon. Water salinity of 20–23g·L−1 and low stocking density of 10 animals per m2 resulted in the best growth of the shrimp. Survival of P. monodon in the grow-out phase was significantly higher (P<0.05) at low salinity of 20–23g·L−1 as compared to high salinity of 32–33g·L−1 irrespective of stocking density. In conclusion, a sand-based recirculation system, high protein pellets and diversified fresh-food items, and water salinity of 20–23g·L−1 are suitable conditions for indoor grow-out phase up to 35g average of the black tiger shrimp P. monodon.