Overview
Aquaculture biofloc technology is an intensive, microbially based production method that manages water quality and supplements feed by cultivating dense communities of bacteria, microalgae, and other microorganisms directly within the culture system. The approach relies on maintaining a high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, typically by adding carbohydrate sources, which stimulates heterotrophic bacteria to assimilate toxic nitrogenous wastes such as ammonia into microbial biomass. These aggregated microorganisms form suspended flocs that cultured animals can consume as a supplementary protein source, improving feed conversion and reducing reliance on external inputs. Biofloc systems are operated with minimal or zero water exchange, conserving water and lowering effluent discharge, and they require continuous aeration and mixing to keep flocs suspended and dissolved oxygen adequate. The technology is most commonly applied to species tolerant of high solids and intensive conditions, including shrimp and certain freshwater fish such as tilapia. Benefits include enhanced biosecurity, in-situ waste recycling, and improved sustainability relative to flow-through systems, while challenges involve maintaining stable microbial balance, controlling solids accumulation, and managing oxygen demand. Research in biofloc aquaculture examines microbial community dynamics, optimal carbon supplementation, stocking densities, and effects on growth performance, immune function, and water chemistry, positioning the method as a key strategy for sustainable intensification of aquatic food production.
Research published in this journal
6 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
Survival Rate and Growth Performances on Pre-Grossing of the African Cyprinidae LabeobarbusBatesii (Boulenger, 1903) According to the Level of Dietary Protein
Reproductive Parameters of Three Populations of Oreochromis Niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Sudano-Guinean Altitude Zone of Cameroon
Effects of the Level and Frequency of Fertilization with hen Droppings on Zooplanktonic Density and Growth Performance of Common Carp Post-Larvae (CyprinusCarpio)
Biotechnological application of Cyanobacteria in, Agriculture, Medicine and Environment
How this research is being cited
The 6 articles above have been cited 2 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
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2024 · Journal of Aquatic Science and Marine Biology
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2020 · International Journal of Aquaculture Research and Development
A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Aquaculture Bioflocs, linking to each citing work.