Applying Biofloc Technology in the Culture of <i>Mugil cephalus</i> in Subtropical Conditions: Effects on Water Quality and Growth Parameters
2023
Sara Garcés | Gabriele Lara
<i>Mugil cephalus</i> is an estuarine species that has been shown to acclimate to a diversity of environmental conditions being a good candidate to diversify aquaculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and water quality of <i>M. cephalus</i> juveniles in a biofloc technology system (BFT). Over a period of 87 days, mullet juveniles (117.36 ± 6.48 g) were reared in two experimental conditions: water exchange (control group) (50% three times a week) and BFT (C:N ratio of 15:1). <i>M. cephalus</i> juveniles were stocked at a density of 7.2 kg·m<sup>−3</sup>. Water quality parameters were monitored periodically. Fish were fed with a balanced artificial feed for marine fish (2% of the total biomass). The water quality parameters were similar between the treatments, with the exception of pH, alkalinity, TSS, and N-NO<sub>3</sub> (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Zootechnical parameters WG, DWG, BG, SGR, condition factor, and survival did not show significant differences (<i>p</i> > 0.05). The biomass gain was higher in BFT (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Water quality variables did not appear to influence mullet survival under culture conditions. Mullet is a species that can be reared in BFT without compromising productive performance and having a significant saving of water.
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