Preliminary Aspects of the Performance in Captivity of Oreochromis niloticus and Cherax quadricarinatus in a RAS System: A Bioenergetic Approach

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.18136126200115

• Palavras-chave: Polyculture, RAS, sustainability, Oreochromis niloticus, Cherax quadricarinatus.

• Keywords: Polyculture, RAS, sustainability, Oreochromis niloticus, Cherax quadricarinatus.

• Abstract: Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and polycultures with a polytrophic approach using Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) offer alternatives for sustainable water use and reduced feed costs in aquaculture production systems. Few studies on this topic exist in Mexico. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the feasibility of managing both species in a pilot RAS system designed in the Aquaculture Laboratory of the Faculty of Sciences, UNAM. Water quality indicators were within the reported standards for both species, except for ammonia and nitrite in the initial phase. Growth, energy metabolism, and tissue energy content of O. niloticus differed significantly from that of C. quadricarinatus during the experimental phase (64 days), indicating faster growth for O. niloticus in the system. The protein content on a dry matter basis for both species was 50% and 38%, respectively. This preliminary study demonstrates the potential of C. quadricarinatus as a companion species for O. niloticus in aquaculture systems focused on bioenergetic complementarity, sustainability, utilization of secondary resources, and aquaculture diversification.