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.