Technical factors of water quality and sediment management in shrimp-tilapia polyculture in ponds

The polyculture of tilapia fish and shrimp is one of the mitigation techniques to reduce sanitary impact and effluents in shrimp farms. It mostly aims to increase production and control water quality of effluents. Some cases of success have reported the control of certain diseases and the improvement of soil quality in earthen ponds. This review analyzes the benefits obtained in terms of water quality, sediments, environment, production increase, and improvement of zootechnical parameters of shrimp polycultured with tilapia fish. Shrimp-tilapia polycultures can contribute with a positive effect to water quality and sediments from ponds and effluents of farms; this depends on density and environment conditions where polycultures are developed. However, they must be adapted, and their functionality and commercial profitability must be proven at small and large scales.