Larval rearing is one of the main bottlenecks that limits large-scale Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) production in aquaculture. We evaluated a pondside tank approach that combined earthen pond productivity with tank culture to improve early larval survival and water-use efficiency. A pondside tank system consisting of six 414 L tanks received inflow of zooplankton-rich pond water in a series of four trials that assessed: 1) stocking density (12 fry/L, 36 fry/L, 60 fry/L); 2) light trap versus no light trap at pump intakes; 3) partial shading versus no shading; and 4) a reduced density and light trap production trial (<5 fry/L).
Pond monitoring used to guide fry stocking showed phytoplankton establishment by 2-3 days post-filling (dpf) and peak rotifer abundance at 9-11 dpf. Lower density in tanks increased survival compared to higher density treatments, while light traps concentrated rotifers and copepods and produced higher survival trends; shading had no measurable effect on survival. A reduced density light trap production trial yielded the best performance (52% survival), whereas traditional earthen ponds harvests had a fry survival rate of 8%. Pondside tanks were >8,000 times more water efficient based on fish produced per liter of water used, and annual energy costs per tank system were <$75.00 USD. Synchronizing fry stocking with peak rotifer abundance, reducing initial stocking density, and adding light to attract live prey improved early larval survival with minimal infrastructure. Pondside tanks provide a practical and potentially scalable path to more consistent and resource-efficient Striped Bass production.