Biofilm feeding by postlarvae of the pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis (Decapoda, Penaidae)

The effect of biofilm was assayed for Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis postlarvae fed with commercial pellets. Indoor tanks in a zero water exchange system were used, considering: shrimp fed with biofilm and commercial feed (B+F), and shrimp fed only with commercial feed (F); both receiving polyethylene sheets as artificial substrates. For B+F, sheets were placed 15days before the trial into a heterotrophic medium (containing diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii, commercial feed, molasses and wheat bran in a 20 C:1 N ratio) to promote biofilm development. For F, clean sheets were used and daily replaced to avoid biofilm formation. Biofilm chlorophyll a concentration, micro-organisms density and water quality were determined weekly. Also, a stomach content analysis was made. An increase in chlorophyll a concentration was observed in biofilm during the experiment, characterized mainly by pennate diatoms, filamentous cyanobacteria, flagellates, ciliates, nematodes and rotifers. Most of these items were found in the stomach of shrimp; however, no significant differences in growth were detected between treatments. Survival was significantly higher and nitrite concentrations were significantly lower when biofilm was present. The results indicate that the use of biofilm could be considered a good tool during F. brasiliensis nursery phase, mainly by improving survival through the maintenance of water quality.