Influence of stocking density on production and water quality of a photo-heterotrophic intensive system of white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) in circular lined grow-out ponds, with minimal water replacement

This work aimed to determine the optimum stocking density of Penaeus vannamei, cultured in a photo-heterotrophic intensive circular system inlined grow-out ponds with minimal water replacement. Five intensive density levels (100, 300, 500, 700 and 900 ind m(-3)) were considered. The water quality measured for the 98 days grow-out period was within the adequate range for P. vannamei. TAN, nitrate and total phosphorus water quality were significantly higher (P < 0.05) at the higher density. Growth rates and survival decreased as density increased after 300 org m(-3). Based on the results of this study, it was found that shrimp grows adequately in high biomass density (99.21 kg tank(-1)) and density of 500 ind m(-3) in an intensive photo-heterotrophic system with a maximum harvest weight of 10 g.