The use of Biofloc technology in the early stages of fish farming offers significant benefits, including improved water quality, enhanced growth rates, and increased survival of larvae and juveniles. By promoting the development of beneficial microbial communities, Biofloc systems provide a natural source of protein-rich feed, reduce the need for water exchange, and help control pathogenic bacteria. These advantages make Biofloc an efficient and sustainable method for supporting the healthy development of fish during their most vulnerable life stages.
The study was conducted at the aquaculture module of CITEproductivo Maynas, where was evaluate three stocking densities of Colossoma. macropomum. Three treatments were performed (T1 = 20 ind m3, T2 = 40 ind m3 and T3 = 60 ind m3) with 2 repetitions. C. macropoum fingerling, with an initial weight of 0.54 ± 0.05 g and initial length of 1.5 ± 0.2 cm, was randomly distributed in the experimental tanks of 1.8 mt3 with biofloc technology. The fish were fed with a feeding rate (9-12%) of 3 times per day. At the end survival rate, specific growth rate, graphs of relationship between weigth and size, water quality analysis (TAN, NH3, NO2−, pH, alkalinity, TSS, and SS) were determined. It was observed that growth performance was lower as stocking densities increased.
A tendency to improvement in the rate of survival of T1 treatment compared to T2 and T3 treatment. No significant changes were found (p ˂ 0.05) between the control group and the experimental groups in the other productive parameters. The total biomass at the end of the experiment was significant higher (P < 0.05) with the use of higher stocking density (20 ind m-2). However, fish stocked at the density of 60 m-2 showed significant higher (P < 0.05) survival (97.1%) and significantly lower values (P < 0.05) for feed conversion rate (1.28). The different stocking densities evaluated did not affect the weight and length of fish. The recommended density for growing C. macropomum in the biofloc system is 20 ind m-2