High-intensity, zero water-exchange production of juvenile tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon: An evaluation of artificial substrates and stocking density

Abstract

Tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon were intensively grown from PL 15 for 49 d in tank systems at stocking densities of 2500 and 5000 shrimp m − 3 , with and without the addition of artificial substrates (non-buoyant AquaMat ®) at each density. Tanks received a daily carbon source (tapioca powder) to promote the microbial community and improve water quality, resulting in zero water-exchange during the 49 d. Mean shrimp weight at harvest ranged from 0.20 g (5000 shrimp m − 3 , no added substrate) to 0.40 g (5000 shrimp m − 3 , added substrate). Shrimp growth was significantly greater ( P < 0.05) when substrates were added but was not significantly affected ( P > 0.05) by stocking density. Shrimp survival averaged 58.3% across all treatments and was not significantly affected ( P > 0.05) by stocking density or substrate. A maximum mean harvest density of 2956 shrimp m − 3 and biomass of 1.11 kg m − 3 were produced at a stocking density of 5000 m − 3 with added substrates. Harvest density significantly increased ( P < 0.05) with stocking density but was not significantly affected ( P > 0.05) by the addition of substrate. Biomass significantly increased ( P < 0.05) with stocking density and addition of substrate. Mean TAN and nitrite concentrations were significantly higher ( P < 0.05) at the higher density and with no added substrate. The results demonstrated that the addition of substrates increased growth and further enhanced production, while also contributing to more favourable water quality conditions. Growth and survival was not affected by stocking density, therefore greater production outputs were achieved at the higher density.