Composition of Zooplanktonic communities associated with the culture of Heros severus (Heckel, 1840) in a biofloc system

Abstract

This investigation aimed to identify the composition of zooplanktonic communities associated with flocs in a Biofloc culture of Heros severus with different carbon sources and diets rich in carotenoid pigments. To form microbial flocs, a culture was carried out in 80 L tanks, where no water changes were made. The used carbon sources were moringa flour for the organisms fed with trout feed and TetraColor®, beetroot, and carrot flours for organisms fed with formulated diets with beetroot and carrot respectively, in all cases a C:N ratio of 15:1 was maintained. Regarding the zooplanktonic communities observed, the carrot and beetroot meal cultures allowed a better system since they presented nematodes and a large zooplanktonic community that helped to maintain water quality and high survival levels.