Exotic plus native: findings in an unscheduled fish duoculture
Author
Palma-Cancino, David Julián
Basto-Rosales, Mao Ernesto Rafael
Álvarez-González, Carlos Alfonso
Martínez-García, Rafael
Badillo-Zapata, Daniel
Chong-Carrillo, Olimpia
Vega-Villasante, Fernando
Full text
http://lajar.ucv.cl/index.php/rlajar/article/view/vol49-issue4-fulltext-267410.3856/vol49-issue4-fulltext-2674
Abstract
The development of native fish aquaculture represents an important alternative to mitigate ecological displacement generated by exotic fish. The introduction of native fish in polyculture systems with high commercial value fishes has provided a useful strategy for sustainable aquaculture development. The present study aims to provide information on tilapia, as an exotic species, and Dormitator latifrons, as a native species, in a duo culture not programmed as such. Using juveniles of Pacific fat sleeper D. latifrons leftovers from another experiment, we decide to analyze and report the biological feasibility of a duoculture system with this species and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Two hundred fifty organisms of each species were placed for 90 days in a concrete tank with a capacity of 50 m3 to evaluate the compatibility of these species. The biological variables measured were growth, survival, feed conversion rate, and protein efficiency. The findings suggest a good interaction between species, with adequate growths and a survival rate of 98%. No antagonistic behavior was observed during confinement, suggesting the duoculture of these species may represent a good alternative for tropical sustainable aquaculture.