The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the stocking density in the survival and growth of FarfantePenaeus paulensis postlarvae reared in cages during the nursery phase. Additionally, we identified and quantified the main microorganisms present on the biofilm formed on artificial substrates placed inside the cages. We used 4 m² bottom surface cages with artificial substrates and shrimp stocking densities of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500PL25 m-2. The experiment lasted for 35 days. A negative relationship was observed between the increase of shrimp stocking density and their survival/growth rates. A preference for centric diatoms was also observed. The technical feasibility of culturing F. paulensis in cages was confirmed. The rearing of F. paulensis in nursery cages may be conduced in densities at also 400PL m-2, without more loss in survival and growth.
aquaculture; shrimps; nursery; cages; biofilm; microalgae; diatoms
