Effect of Different Stocking Densities on Growth, Survival and Blood Parameters of Pacific Fat Sleeper Dormitator latifrons in a Small-Scale Aquaponic System

Aquaponics is the integration between aquaculture and hydroponics, where bacteria mediate the interaction between fish and plants, facilitating a mutually beneficial system. Although there have been numerous studies on aquaponics, there have been few studies focused on optimizing management parameters in small-scale systems for family farming. A key aspect is to find the appropriate culture density to maximize the production of both fish and plants. In aquaculture, introduced species have predominated due to their ease of management, great adaptability, and high growth rates; however, it is important to consider alternatives such as Dormitator latifrons. To determine the effect of density on the yield of D. latifrons and chard Beta vulgaris in an aquaponic culture, three culture densities of 10, 30, and 50 fish m−3 were evaluated in triplicate with a fixed plant density of 20 plants m−2. Nine experimental units (EU) were implemented consisting of 300 L Rotoplas® troughs, a settler (80 L), a biofilter (80 L), and a submersible water pump connected to a nutrient film technique (NFT) system that represented the hydroponic component. The results obtained suggest that an intermediate stocking density (30 fish m−3) could provide a favorable balance between fish and plant performance and fish health. These findings contribute to the knowledge on the culture of this species in aquaponics.