Inland Culture Research Articles

A simple inland culture system provides insights into ascidian post-embryonic developmental physiology.

Maintenance and breeding of experimental organisms are fundamental to life sciences, but both initial and running costs, and hands-on zootechnical demands can be challenging for many laboratories. Here, we first aimed to further develop a simple protocol for reliable inland culture of tunicate model species of the Ciona genus. We cultured both Ciona robusta and Ciona intestinalis in controlled experimental conditions, with a focus on dietary variables, and quantified growth and maturation parameters. From statistical analysis of these standardized datasets, we gained insights into the post-embryonic developmental physiology of Ciona and inferred an improved diet and culturing conditions for sexual maturation. We showed that body length is a critical determinant of both somatic and sexual maturation, which suggests the existence of systemic control mechanisms of resource allocation towards somatic growth or maturation and supports applying size selection as a predictor of reproductive fitness in our inland culture to keep the healthiest animals at low density in the system. In the end, we successfully established a new protocol, including size selection, to promote both sperm and egg production. Our protocol using small tanks will empower researchers to initiate inland Ciona cultures with low costs and reduced space constraints.

Temporal variability of microplastics in shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), feed, water and sediments of coastal and inland culture ponds.

Aquaculture, particularly shrimp farming, is crucial for global food security. However, the increasing presence of microplastics (MPs) in marine environments, shrimp feeds, and atmospheric particles has made MP contamination in shrimp tissues inevitable. This study systematically investigates the abundance, characteristics, and temporal trends (from 15th to the 120th day of culture) of MPs contamination in Litopenaeus vannamei, along with associated feed, water, and sediment across 12 shrimp ponds of two major shrimp-producing regions of India. MPs were detected in 93.7% of shrimp samples and all environmental matrices, with the highest abundance recorded in coastal culture ponds. The overall average MPs abundance in shrimp was 4.07 items/individual (1.24 MPs items/g). MP sizes ranged from 8μm to 4.22mm, with MPs smaller than 100μm being predominant in shrimp samples, though their prevalence decreased over the culture period. Fragments and fibers were the dominant morphotypes across all matrices, with a shift towards larger MPs and an increased proportion of fibers and films over time. Micro FTIR analyses revealed polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) were the most common polymers detected, indicating their widespread environmental distribution. Feed was identified as the primary source of MPs contamination in shrimp. The presence of MPs in shrimp raises significant concerns for consumer health, food safety, and trade, as shrimp are among the most widely consumed aquatic food products. This study underscores the dynamics of MP contamination in shrimp aquaculture and highlights the urgent need for targeted strategies to mitigate contamination, ensuring consumer safety and industry sustainability.

Major Fisheries Species along with Their Contribution to the National Fishery Production in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, due to its geographical location, fisheries play a significant role in socioeconomic development and food security. The country has 57 major rivers and nearly 118,813 km2 marine area in the Bay of Bengal. Almost 260 freshwater and 740 marine water fisheries species are found in Bangladesh. There is a lack of studies dealing with species-wise production status and growth rate in Bangladesh. This study is conducted to discover the recent trend of fisheries yield with major species-wise production share and growth rate. The required data have been collected from the website of the Department of Fisheries of the government of Bangladesh. Fisheries yield is increasing in Bangladesh, but the inland culture segment is growing fast compared to inland capture and marine segments as the slope of inland culture is 1.1, higher than inland capture and marine. Species converging in the major carp group are the highest, over 21%, contributor to the national yield. As a single species, the Hilsa takes the maximum production share, around 12%. The contribution of marine species is poor, approximately 15% of the total yield, compared to the potential. Bangladesh may raise the required export diversification based on fisheries resources. To do so, the policymakers of Bangladesh should raise funds for blue economic research, human resource development, and technology import.

Inland Fisheries Production Condition with Production Unit-Wise Productivity and Production Growth Rate in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, 85% of fisheries yield comes from inland fisheries. There is an evident production gap between the inland capture and culture fisheries in sample data, but what is in population? The study evaluates the production gap between inland capture and culture fisheries by appropriate test statistics and traces the production share, productivity, yield area, and growth status of various production units of inland fisheries. The required data have been collected from the website of the department of fisheries of Bangladesh. To evaluate the production gap, the study relies on the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon U test. The P-value, 0.02272 < 0.05, suggested that there is a significant yield gap between the population of inland capture and culture fisheries in Bangladesh. Inland capture and culture controlled 82.06% and 17.94% of inland production area and 33.03% and 66.97% of production, respectively. The productivity of the inland culture fishery is 9.2 times higher than the inland capture. Rivers, floodplains, and ponds combinedly control 83.07% of the inland production area and 82.57% of the inland yield. To achieve the vision of Bangladesh, policymakers should make separate fishery policies for rivers, floodplains, and ponds. This study might be helpful to national and international bodies to understand the inland fisheries population and production units which might be helpful to restructure fisheries policy in Bangladesh

Microencapsulated diets using thraustochytrids and macroalgae side streams for nursery rearing of Mytilus galloprovincialis spat

AbstractGlobal expansion of bivalve aquaculture can drive sustainable protein production. Inland culture of mussel spat can play an important role in supporting extensive mussel farming. Nursery culture of bivalves is, however, dependent on nutritious, cost‐efficient, and more reliable diets for spat. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of dietary alternatives to commercial algal feeds (Shellfish Diet 1800) on the survival and growth of Mytilus galloprovincialis spat, widely farmed in Europe. Spat (6.8 ± 1.1 mm) were supplied with different diets for 6 weeks: commercial microalgal diet (A), microencapsulated feeds containing a 1:1 blend of the macroalga Undaria pinnatifida and the microalga Schizochytrium (BioBullets; BB), or commercial microalgae and BioBullets combined (ABB). Unsupplemented spat showed no growth and little change in body condition (CI). Spat fed microcapsules grew at comparable rates, and body condition rose at higher levels (shell growth rates: 8.5 ± 3.7 μm day−1; ΔCI: 6.1 ± 1.1%) relative to those fed commercial microalgae (8.5 ± 5.7 μm day−1; ΔCI: 3.3 ± 0.8%). Supplementing microencapsulated feeds with the commercial microalgal diet did not significantly improve growth performances (9.3 ± 2.3 μm day−1; ΔCI: 4.7 ± 1.4%) relative to mussels fed microcapsules alone. Microencapsulated feeds for M. galloprovincialis spat production can significantly reduce nursery costs compared with commercial feeds or cultured microalgae. By sourcing encapsulated algae from aquaculture side streams, microencapsulated feeds can further promote circular economies.

Impact of Climate Change on Hunter‐Fisher‐Gatherer Cultures in Northern Japan Over the Past 4,400 Years

AbstractIn Hokkaido, northern Japan, densely populated societies of hunter‐fisher‐gatherer cultures persisted over the Holocene until the 19th century. We used the cellulose δ18O values of Sphagnum and vascular plants in peat cores from Rishiri Island to understand paleoclimate changes in Hokkaido over the past 4,400 years and discuss the impacts of climate changes on the development of the cultures. The cellulose δ18O values showed multi‐centennial and millennial variations, reflecting the intensity of the Tsushima Warm Current and the summer position of the westerly jet. The marine hunter‐fisher cultures responded to changes in the strength of Tsushima Warm Current and coastal primary production. In contrast, the inland cultures responded to changes in the latitudinal position of the summer westerlies. This implies that human societies of different lifestyles responded differently to climate changes.

Challenge of Aquaculture in Bangladesh during CORONA 19

Data and information sources are used from the direct interview with individual, publication of the Department of Fisheries (DoF), internet and related non-published grey literature. The country has an inland water area of about 4.72mill.ha and about 710km long coastal belt. Fisheries sector contributes 3.57% to the national GDP, 25.30% to the agricultural GDP and more than 2.0% to the total export earnings. The target of fish production was crossed by producing 4.28 mill.mt fish in 2017-2018, whereas in 2017-18, inland culture fisheries contribute 56.0% to total fish production. This sector has been contributing about 60% animal protein in daily dietary requirement comes from fish, which is significant in food security through proving safe and quality animal protein. About 162.18 million (11%) people more than of total population are engaged with this sector on full and part time basis for their livelihoods. Bangladesh is blessed with an enriched aquatic diversity, comprising almost 260 freshwater fish species and 740 marine water fish species with other aquatic lives. But due to COVID 19 decline and degradation of wetland resources, the stock of inland capture fisheries has been reduced remarkably. In recent years, the fisheries sector is faced with challenges posed by numerous natural and anthropogenic causes such as climate change, natural disaster, environmental pollution, industrialization, overfishing, using destructive fishing gears, pesticide and agrochemicals and COVID 19. Very recently some important national program and biological management technology is developed for hilsha production, fish production and open water management to restrict the declination of resources and enhance production. But about 11% people are going to be jobless and maximum worker are workless in the country by affecting of COVID 19. The effect of COVID 19 is posing significant threat to the production, income, food security and livelihood of the population.

Fisheries resources of Bangladesh: A review

Fisheries sector plays a significant role in national food security, empowerment and foreign exchange earnings in the national economy of Bangladesh. At the same time, Bangladesh is blessed with enormous water resources of inland culture (8,21,923 ha), inland capture (38,90,282 ha) and marine (1,18,81,300 ha), having great potentials of fisheries production. Inland culture, inland capture and marine fisheries provides 56.76%, 28.19% and 15.05% fisheries production, respectively. The aim of this review paper is to provide a comprehensive overview on fisheries resources of Bangladesh, those are underutilized and/or need emphasis to enhance more fish production. Recently, inland culture fisheries production has increased rapidly due to adoption of improved farming practices by the farmers. However, inland capture and marine fisheries production has not yet been attained to its optimum level due to over exploitation, fish habitat degradation, siltation of water bodies and water pollution. Therefore, to increase inland capture fisheries production and conserve biodiversity, various approaches such as community-based fisheries management, beel nurseries, stocking fingerlings of endangered species, establishment of fish sanctuaries, cage and pen culture systems can be adopted. Additionally, existing banning rules and regulations of catching fish during breeding season from inland capture water bodies like rivers, haors, baors, beels etc. should be implemented properly for conserving biodiversity and increasing fish production, as banning of 22-days in rivers and 65-days in marine water have significantly increased hilsha fish production. In addition, blue economy has recently gained impressive attention in Bangladesh due to getting huge marine water resources from Myanmer in 2012 and India in 2014. Therefore, marine aquaculture systems for example farming of seaweed, sea bass, mullets, promfrets, mud crab etc. should be adopted for achieving the United Nations agenda on sustainable development goal 14 on conservation, sustainability and use of oceans, seas and marine resources for increasing economic benefits.

Co-administration of zinc for treating and preventing arsenism in common carp Cyprinus carpio: An alternative to avoid physiological and cellular damages

Arsenic (As) contamination in water bodies has adverse effects on aquatic organisms. Zinc (Zn), as an important enzyme cofactor and efficient reactive oxygen species scavenger, plays an indispensable role in cellular homeostasis and biological functions. However, there has been less investigation on AsZn interaction in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). We hypothesize that Zn is a candidate for the treatment and prevention of arsenism. In general, feed efficiency, growth performance and organ indices did not significantly differ between the As or/and Zn group and the control groups (p > 0.05). However, arsenite significantly altered the intestinal morphological features and suppressed intestinal tight junction proteins (claudins, occluding, and zonula occludens) as indicated by mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and organic 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine), inflammatory (nuclear factor kappa-B and pro-inflammatory cytokines) and detoxification parameters (metallothionein) in intestine and liver increased following arsenite exposure (p < 0.05), concomitant with innate immunity suppression (C4 and IgM; p < 0.01). These anomalies led to abnormal lipid metabolism (SREBP-1c pathway; p < 0.01) and endoplasmic reticulum stress (PERK-eIF2α, IRE1α and ATF6; p < 0.01). Overall, As impaired general physiological and cellular functions, and compromised the immune system of carp. Zn2+ restored these alterations, as evidenced by the reduction in inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress via the activation of the antioxidant system. Thus, Zn supplementation can be used to treat and prevent arsenism; it is a useful alternative to prevent physiological and cellular damage in the inland culture of carp.

Short- and long-term low-salinity acclimation effects on the branchial and intestinal gene expression in the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

The European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is a teleost remarkably adapted to a wide range of water salinity, through osmoregulatory mechanisms, mainly operating in the gills and the intestine. As an important aquaculture species, its rearing in low-salinity conditions offers benefits for its inland culture. However, this demands a full comprehension of the European seabass osmoregulatory mechanisms and its response to acclimation protocols. The purpose of this study was to evaluate different acclimation protocols in terms of osmoregularity and stress response, following transferring of European seabass juveniles from seawater to freshwater. In addition, nutrient absorption was also examined since drinking rates are sensitive to salinity. The acclimation challenge was applied through three protocols: direct transfer (0 h) to freshwater, gradual transfer during 3 h and during 72 h. The short- (1 h after complete change to freshwater) and long-term effects (after 2 months) of each acclimation protocol were evaluated by assessing the expression of 1. The osmoregulatory genes: Na+/K+-ATPase α1, Na+/K+/2Cl− 1 co-transporter, aquaporins 1 and 3, and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator; 2. The heat shock protein 70 gene; 3. The peptide transporter genes corresponding to PepT1a, PepT1b and PepT2. The short-term acclimation response was pronounced in both gills and the intestine affecting stress-, osmoregulatory- and nutrient-related gene expression. Long-term effects were only evident in the intestine. Direct transfer in freshwater mainly induced a long-term stress response, while the short-term effect was more pronounced in the 3 h-transfer, potentially due to handling. Our results suggest that although the European seabass can withstand direct transfer to low-salinity conditions, a gradual transfer is recommended to prevent long-term stress effects.

Growth and survival of juvenile red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, acclimated to freshwater at three different stocking densities in a partial recirculation system

Preliminary technical baseline information for the inland culture of juvenile red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, in a freshwater fish hatchery is presented. Three initial stocking densities (d1 = 83, d2 = 167, and d3 = 250 fish/m3) were tested in a semirecirculation system for 575 days using a commercially available feed (48.1% protein, 25% lipids, and 0.13% fiber). Initial and final mean fish weight were 7.11 ± 0.02 g and 287.6 ± 27 g. As carrying capacity appeared to have been reached, only data from Days 1–333 were analyzed. One‐way ANOVA analyses indicated that the survival rate of the smaller density (d1 =40 ± 3.7%) was significantly different from the other two densities (d3 = 21 ± 1.1% and d2 = 23 ± 1.0%), which did not differ between them. Absolute growth rate (0.87 ± 0.02 g/day) was not significantly different between densities (F = 0.23. p = .801). Neither was weight significantly different between treatments. There were significant differences in the feed conversion rate (FCR) between densities (F = 8.54; p = .02). FCR for d1 was significantly lower than for the two other densities, which did not differ from each other. A von Bertalanffy growth model was adjusted (R2 = 0.95), and weight–length relationship presented negative allometric values (b = 2.85, R2 = 0.98).

Shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei ) production and stable isotope dynamics in clear‐water recirculating aquaculture systems versus biofloc systems

Closed recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) offer advantages over traditional culture methods including enhanced biosecurity, the possibility of indoor, inland culture of marine species year-round and potential marketing opportunities for fresh, never-frozen seafood. Questions still remain regarding what type of aquaculture system may be best suited for the closed-system culture of marine shrimp. In this study, shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were grown in clear-water RAS and in biofloc-based systems. Comparisons were made between the system types with respect to water quality, shrimp production and stable isotope dynamics used to determine the biofloc contribution to shrimp nutrition. Ammonia and nitrite concentrations were higher, and shrimp survival was lower in the biofloc systems. Although stable isotope levels indicated that biofloc material may have contributed 28% of the carbon and 59% of the nitrogen in shrimp tissues, this did not correspond with improved shrimp production. Overall, the water column microbial communities in biofloc systems may be more difficult to manage than clear-water RAS which have external filters to control water quality. Biofloc does seem to offer some nutritional contributions, but exactly how to take advantage of that and ensure improved production remains unclear.

Dating and Stable Isotope Analysis of Charred Residues from Neolithic Sites in the Primorye, Russian Far East

AbstractThis study attempts to reconstruct food habits through carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) isotope analysis and C/N analysis of charred residues inside pottery from the Primorye in the Russian Far East (Luzanova Sopka 2, Sergeyevka 1, Boisman 2, and Vetka 2 sites). Dates were obtained that were from the later stages of the Rudnaya culture (6980–6485 BP, 7800–7400 cal BP), proto-Boisman type (6760–6330 BP, 7600–7300 cal BP), Boisman culture (6155–4720 BP, 7100–5400 cal BP), and Vetka culture (6030–5870 BP, 6900–6700 cal BP). There are major differences in the carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios between inland sites (δ13C –26.9 to –30.0‰, δ15N 7.6 to 9.3‰) and coastal sites (δ13C –18.1 to –24.2‰, δ15N 9.5 to 14.9‰). The results show that the diet of inland cultures consisted primarily of freshwater fish and terrestrial animals and plants, whereas that of coastal cultures consisted mainly of marine organisms.

A preliminary survey on parasitic occurrence in indigenous climbing perch, Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1972) from West Bengal state of India

Objective: To describe the parasitic infestations of Anabas testudineus (A. testudineus) collected from three different fish producing districts of West Bengal state in India. Methods: A total number of 75 specimens of A. testudineus were collected from different floodplain areas of West Bengal, India. These specimens were examined for parasites using established techniques after measuring basic morphometric parameters. Results: A total 165 individual of 20 parasites (13 ectoparasites and 7 endoparasites) belonging to 7 phyla were recorded from 64 infected A. testudineus. Among the observed parasites, 8 were protozoan including 3 ciliates; 2 monogenic trematodes, 2 strigeidid trematodes, 1 nematode, 3 crustaceans, 3 myxozoans and 1 echinorhynchus acanthocephalan parasites. The quantitative abundance of parasites were highest in gill (37%) followed by body outer layer (35%) and intestine (28%). District wise quantitative count of parasites in different investigated organ from A. testudineus revealed that North 24 Parganas is highly infected followed by West Midnapore and East Midnapore. The highest prevalence (%) and mean abundance of parasitic occurrence was observed in North 24 Parganas followed by West Midnapore and East Midnapore. The highest mean intensity was found at West Midnapore followed by North 24 Parganas and East Midnapore. Conclusions: Especially West Bengal state of India, inland culture and capture fishery mainly rural based and operated by poor farmers. Developing right kind of interventions and management practice can prevent adverse impact of diseases and assist poor farmers for sustainable production.

Effects of Low Salinities on Osmoregulation, Growth, and Survival of Juvenile Gulf Killifish

AbstractThe Gulf Killifish Fundulus grandis, a popular baitfish, is a euryhaline fish species native to coastal estuaries of the Gulf of Mexico and the eastern coast of Florida. Established culture methods have relied on a saline water source but such methods have not been widely adapted by the commercial sector. Since this species is highly euryhaline, there is potential for freshwater culture via the utilization of established inland facilities. In order to assess the feasibility of inland culture, changes in Gulf Killifish hypo‐osmotic tolerance throughout early growth were evaluated. Gulf Killifish were challenged with low salinity treatments of 0 (freshwater), 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5‰ at 2, 7, and 12 weeks posthatch for 4 weeks to determine growth, survival, gill Na+,K+‐ATPase activity, and whole‐body Na+ content. Gill Na+,K+‐ATPase activity and whole‐body ion samples were collected at 0, 2, 14, and 28 d posttransfer (dpt) for each age‐group. Results indicated Gulf Killifish at 2 weeks posthatch grew and survived at 2.5‰ as well as at higher salinities, but growth was reduced in freshwater. At 7 and 12 weeks posthatch, freshwater survival and growth rates at 0‰ salinity were comparable with other salinity treatments. Gill Na+,K+‐ATPase activity increased in Gulf Killifish that were transferred to freshwater at both 7 and 12 weeks posthatch. Whole‐body Na+ content was higher in freshwater 28 dpt in the 2‐week‐posthatch age‐group, and 14 dpt in the 7‐week‐posthatch age‐group. There were few differences in Na+,K+‐ATPase activity and whole‐body Na+ content between salinity treatments in the 12‐week‐posthatch age‐group. These results suggest Gulf Killifish develop hypo‐osmotic tolerance at less than 2 weeks of age posthatch and culture in low salinities including freshwater will be more successful with fish older than 7 weeks of age.

A procedure for adjusting Grey mullet (Mugil cephalus Lin.) fingerlings to low-salinity, low-hardness waters for economic and environmentally friendly inland culture

Grey mullet fingerlings were grown in different acclimation solutions for three consecutive years, with the aim of developing a procedure for their adjustment to commercial growth in very low salinity (EC=0.37dS/m) and Cl−/Na+-deficient inland water (Dan River water, Northern Israel). Tested acclimation conditions composed of simulative solutions of varying ionic compositions (EC range 1.0–1.1dS/m) and a solution made up by dissolving quarry dolomite beads into the target (Dan River) water by H2SO4 without and with a small NaCl addition (1.5mM). The latter alternative was favored because of its low production costs and minimal environmental impact (minute addition of extrinsic Na+ and Cl− ions to the environment). The results obtained in the three experimental sets showed that stocking the fingerlings in a ∼1dS/m acclimation solution for 1 week, followed by 20% daily dilution by the target water, was appropriate for attaining survival rates higher than 70% in all acclimation solutions tested (growth periods varied in the range 43–77d). Survival rate in brackish water control experiments was 85–95%. In the absence of an acclimation period the fish survival rate was ∼35%. No significant difference was observed in fish growth rates between treatments conducted in a given year, suggesting that fish that survived the acclimation period would grow in the low salinity water at a rate similar to fish grown in brackish water. The minor differences in survival and growth results between the different acclimation solutions seemed to indicate that the role of specific ionic constituents in the water was inconsequential and that the most significant parameter is the overall water salinity. However, histological analyses revealed that applying the acclimation period with very low Cl− and Na+ concentrations (<∼75mg/L and ∼45mg/L, respectively) caused non-reversible adverse effects on the fish, whereas in all of the other treatments recorded adverse effects were of a reversible nature. Considering all the results, the best acclimation solution was defined as dissolution of dolomite by H2SO4 into the target low-salinity water plus addition of 1.5mM of NaCl. The cost of producing the acclimation solution was shown to amount to only ∼0.03% of the overall culture cost.

Contest for hegemony: The dynamics of inland and maritime cultures relations in the history of Java island, Indonesia

The main purpose of this article is to analyze the dynamics of relation between inland and maritime cultures in an insular region by taking Java island, Indonesia, as an object of study. Java island is located in the midst of Indonesian archipelago which is geographically recognized as the “maritime continent” and the widest insular region in the world. During the history, Java has been one of the most important islands not only in the Indonesian archipelago but also in Southeast Asian region. It is interesting that Java has not only varied maritime cultures but also feudalistic inland culture. Moreover, during the course of history there has been a latent contesting relationship among the two different types of culture, which has been coloring the history of Indonesia at large till the present day.

Large-scale infection of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis by the gregarine Lankesteria ascidiae in an inland culture system

An important way to keep transgenic and mutant lines of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis, a model system for e.g. genetic functions, in laboratories is via culturing systems. Here we report a disease of C. intestinalis observed in an inland culturing system. The disease, called 'long feces syndrome,' is expressed in affected animals by the following characteristic symptoms of the digestive system: (1) excretion of long and thin feces, (2) pale color of the stomach, and (3) congestion of the digestive tube by digested material. Severely diseased animals usually die within a week after the first symptoms occur, implying a high risk of this disease for ascidian culturing systems. The digestive tubes of the diseased animals are occupied by the gregarine apicomplexan parasite Lankesteria ascidiae, suggesting that large-scale infection by this parasite is the cause of long feces syndrome.

WITHDRAWN: Historical Perspective On Inland and Maritime Cultures Relation in an Insular Region: the Indonesian Case

WITHDRAWN: Historical Perspective On Inland and Maritime Cultures Relation in an Insular Region: the Indonesian Case

Performance of Pacific White Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, Reared in Zero‐Exchange Tank Systems Exposed to Different Light Sources and Intensities

The development of biofloc production technology has generated significant commercial and research interest directed toward the inland culture of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Most work to date has been conducted in greenhouses, where photoautotrophic organisms are significant contributors to system functionality. In more temperate locations, operations in insulated buildings would reduce heating costs. This experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of light on shrimp cultured in intensive biofloc systems. A 92‐d experiment was conducted in 3.8‐m3 tanks. There were five light treatments: (1) natural sunlight (SUN) as a control (midday: 718 lx); (2) one metal halide light (MHL) (1074 lx); (3) one fluorescent light (1FL) (214 lx); (4) two fluorescent lights (2FL) (428 lx); and (5) three fluorescent lights (3FL) (642 lx). Artificial light treatments operated on a 12:12 daily cycle. There were three replicate tanks per treatment and each was separated by black plastic to prevent light transmission between replicates. Each tank was stocked at 465 shrimp/m2 of tank bottom (initial mean weight = 0.4 g). Light treatment had a significant (P≤ 0.05) impact on average individual weight, survival, harvest yield (kg/m2), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Harvest yield and survival among shrimp in the SUN, MHL, and 1FL treatments were not significantly different. However, there was an inverse linear relationship (P≤ 0.05; R2 = 0.76) between the number of fluorescent fixtures and survival, which was related to greater concentrations of filamentous bacteria as the intensity of fluorescent light increased, causing gill fouling. Natural light and MHL did not result in high concentrations of filamentous bacteria. These results indicate that natural light, metal halide lighting, and/or relatively low levels of fluorescent lighting are suitable for indoor production of Pacific white shrimp in biofloc systems. Light spectrum and intensity can affect bacterial community structure, which has a profound effect on shrimp survival and production.