Effects of low salinity on growth and survival rate of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaenus vannamei) rearing in artificial seawater

Abstract

The study aims to determine the lowest salinity level that can be used for white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) production in artificial seawater to save cost (salt cost). The experiment consists of four salinity treatments (3, 6, 9, and 12ppt) each treatment was repeated three times. The experiment was operated in the recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) consisting of 3 culture tanks and a biofilter tank with a volume of 500 liters. Artificial seawater was prepared by diluting salts with tap water. Shrimp with initial weight and body length at 0.96±0,21g and 6.28±0,49cm was stocked at density 100 individual/tank. After 56 days of culture, the result showed that the water quality is in a suitable range for shrimp growth. The average body length of shrimps ranged from 10.87 to 11.14 cm and the difference of those between treatments was not significant. However, the average body weight of shrimps ranged from 7.42g to 8.94g and the difference of those between treatments was significant. The growth, survival rate, and FCR values tend to improve as salinity increases. The artificial seawater with a salinity range from 9 to 12 ppt was more potential for shrimp culture.