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Biofloc-based co-culture systems of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) with different carbon–nitrogen ratios

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Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the production performance of biofloc-based co-culture systems of Nile tilapia and redclaw crayfish with varying carbon–nitrogen ratios (C/N). The experiment was conducted for 80 days in plastic-lined ponds with dimensions of 1 x 1 x 0.6 m. Two biofloc systems with two C/N ratios (10 and 15), using molasses as the carbon source and a control system without molasses were compared. Mixed-sex Nile tilapia with an initial average body weight of 7.00 ± 0.25 g were stocked at a density of 30 fish m−2. After 30 days of culture, redclaw crayfish with initial average body weight of 11.50 ± 0.55 g were added to the culture system at a density of 10 crayfish m−2. There were no significant differences in total animal biomass or total weight gain between treatments (P > 0.05). The total feed and overall feed conversion ratio (FCR) differed significantly (P < 0.05) between the biofloc systems and the control. Total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), nitrite nitrogen (NO2−N) and nitrate nitrogen (NO3−N) concentrations in biofloc systems with a C/N ratio of 15 were generally lower than those of other treatments. Dissolved oxygen concentrations decreased with the increase in the culture period in (4.13–4.40 mg L−1). Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that an increase in the C/N ratio has positive effects on the feed utilization efficiency and water quality in biofloc-based tilapia–redclaw crayfish co-culture systems.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the students, Dewi Fatmawati, Alifah Aisyah Sabil, Deddy Poerba Anggara, Muhammad Hilmy Maulana and Dinda Yuni Istanti, for their assistance during the research. This research is part of the Beginner Lecturer Research Grant (14 / UN.3.1.12 / LT / 2018), Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Airlangga.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Study Program of Aquaculture, Banyuwangi Campus, Department of Fish Health and Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Airlangga, Banyuwangi, Indonesia

    Muhammad H. Azhar, Suciyono Suciyono, Darmawan S. Budi & Mohammad F. Ulkhaq

  2. Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Islam Indonesia, Jl. Kaliurang Km 14.5 Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

    Mai Anugrahwati

  3. Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia

    Julie Ekasari

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Azhar, M.H., Suciyono, S., Budi, D.S. et al. Biofloc-based co-culture systems of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) with different carbon–nitrogen ratios. Aquacult Int 28, 1293–1304 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-020-00526-z

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