The Effects of Two Different Aquaculture Methods on Water Quality, Microbial Communities, Production Performance, and Health Status of Penaeus monodon

The tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon is a commercially important species; however, the intensification of the farming of this species has led to the production and release of significant amounts of organic waste. Traditional aquaculture uses water exchange for waste removal, which may cause pollution and infection of reared species with external pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two different aquaculture modes on the antioxidant status, nonspecific immune response, and growth performance of P. monodon, and reveal differences in their microbial communities. The experiment was divided into two groups: one using bioflocs and zero water exchange (Group ZC), and the other using a clear water system (Group C). The results showed that, compared with those in Group C, P. monodon in Group ZC exhibited a higher final body weight, lower feed conversion ratio, higher survival rate, and higher unit yield. Additionally, P. monodon in Group ZC showed higher antioxidant and digestive enzyme activities, as well as upregulated expression of immune-related genes (such as lysozyme, anti-lipopolysaccharide factor, and Toll-like receptors). Therefore, biofloc technology can improve the growth performance, immunity, and antioxidant capacity of P. monodon, offering an environmentally friendly and efficient aquaculture model for P. monodon farming.