Comparative Growth Performance of Climbing Perch, Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792) under Two Different Low Cost and Advance Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS)

Background: Recirculatory aquaculture system (RAS) is an intensive and sustainable aquaculture system that involves the reuse of water within a closed loop system minimizing water usage and reduces environmental impact. This study compares the growth performance of Climbing Perch (Anabas testudineus) in a low-cost recirculatory aquaculture system (RAS) versus an advanced RAS. The low-cost RAS aims to reduce economic burdens on fish farmers while maintaining sustainability through efficient water reuse. Methods: Climbing perch fingerlings were cultured under Advance RAS, Low cost designed RAS and fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) (control) tanks in triplicate with meticulous monitoring of various growth parameters and water quality assessments following standard methods. Result: The study reveals that A. testudineus grew better in advanced RAS, with higher weight and length compared to low-cost RAS and FRP tanks. However, the survival rate was highest in the low-cost RAS (100%) versus advanced RAS (97.61%) and FRP tanks (86.77%). Weight gain, specific growth rate, PER and FCR were statistically similar in both RAS systems. Advanced RAS had a higher temperature (29.02oC) and lower pH (7.56) than the low-cost RAS (28.66oC, 7.82) and FRP tanks (28.46oC, 8.25). The low-cost RAS outperformed in dissolved oxygen levels, lower ammonia, nitrite and nitrate content Low-cost RAS demonstrated superior efficiency in controlling total suspended solids (20.00 mg/l) compared to advanced RAS (58.21 mg/l) and FRP tanks (158.74 mg/l) and superior control of total suspended solids. The low-cost RAS offers comparable performance to advanced RAS, with proper filtration maintenance enhancing fish survival and quality.