Economic sustainability of tambatinga (Colossoma macropomum × Piaractus brachypomus) farming in tropical earthen ponds under small-scale aquaculture conditions in Brazil

Brazil is a leading global fish producer, notably of tilapia, native species, and hybrids. Despite the potential of native species, production is constrained by limited genetic improvement, nutritional gaps, environmental challenges, low productivity, and often poor financial management. This study aimed to assess the production costs and economic viability of farming tambatinga ( Colossoma macropomum × Piaractus brachypomus ), a native hybrid species, in earthen ponds under tropical conditions. The analysis was conducted at a small-scale facility in Mato Grosso, Brazil. Zootechnical performance and operational costs were analyzed to determine cash flow, profitability, and overall economic feasibility across two production cycles. Average costs per kilogram were R$7.00 and R$6.98, for cycles 1 and 2, respectively, with feed, labor, and fingerlings comprising the largest expenses. Gross margins reached 48.28% and 41.47%, profitability indices were 32.56% and 29.31%, net present value (NPV) totaled R$708,143.50 and R$366,337.99, and Internal rate of return (IRR) was 96.37% and 59.44%. Discounted payback occurred within the second year (1.233 and 2.039 years, respectively). Even under low to moderate productivity levels (ranging from 0.7 to 1.1 kg m⁻ 2 ), tambatinga farming demonstrated economically viable. These results provide a practical framework for improving small-scale tropical aquaculture and guide producers and policymakers toward sustainable fish farming strategies.