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Effect of Aeration on
Chlorophyll a, Zooplankton,
and Benthos in Yellowleg
Shrimp, Penaeus californiensis,
Ponds
a
Luis R. Martinez-Cordova , Marco A. Porchas-
b b
Cornejo , Humberto Villarreal-Colmenares & J.
c
Antonio Calderon-Perez
a
DICTUS, Universidad de Sonora , P.O. Box 1819,
Hermosillo, Sonora, 83000, Mexico
b
CIB-NOR , Guay-mas, Sonora, Mexico
c
ICML, TJNAM , Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico
Published online: 16 Oct 2008.

To cite this article: Luis R. Martinez-Cordova , Marco A. Porchas-Cornejo , Humberto

Villarreal-Colmenares & J. Antonio Calderon-Perez (1998) Effect of Aeration on
Chlorophyll a, Zooplankton, and Benthos in Yellowleg Shrimp, Penaeus californiensis,
Ponds, Journal of Applied Aquaculture, 8:3, 17-23, DOI: 10.1300/J028v08n03_02

To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1300/J028v08n03_02

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 Effect of Aeration on Chlorophyll a,
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Zooplankton, and Benthos

in Yellowleg Shrimp,
Penaeus californiensis, Ponds
Luis R. Martinez-Cordova
Marco A. Porchas-Cornejo
H u m b e r t o Villarreal-Colmenares
J. A n t o n i o Calderon-Perez

ABSTRACT. The effect of four aeration rates: 0, 6, 12, and 24 hours/

day on the variation of chlorophyll a, zooplankton and benthos was
evaluated in ponds stocked with yellowleg shrimp Pel~aeirscalifor~lie~t-
sis having low water exchange. Chlorophyll a, zooplankton and ben-
thos varied significantly (P < 0.05) over the time of culture. Abundance
of zooplankton and benthic organisms showed significant (P < 0.05)
variations among treatments,.being more abundant (P < 0.05) in the 6
and 12 hourslday aeration treatments. Some of the water quality param-
eters such as morning dissolved oxygen, organic matter, biochemical
oxygen demand, and ammonia showed differences among treatments.
Growth of shrimp was higher in the 12 hourslday aeration treatment.
Yield and feed conversion ratio were higher in ponds receiving 6 and 12
hourslday aeration. Results of the study suggest that aeration has an
effect on: biotic communities abundance; water quality parameters; and
growth, yield, and food conversion ratio of shrimp. [Article copies avail- ,

able for a fee from The Haworth Docrrmenf Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678.
E-mail address: getinfo@hawortl~pressinc.com]

Luis R. Martinez-Cordova, DICTUS, Universidad de Sonora, P.O. Box 1819,

Hermosillo, Sonora, 83000, Mexico.
Marco A. Porchas-Cornejo, and Humberto Villarreal-Colmenares, CIB-NOR,Guay-
mas, Sonora, Mexico.
J. Antonio Calderon-Perez, ICML, UNAM, Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico.
Journal of Applied Aquaculture, Vol. 8(3) 1998
Q 1998 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved. 17
 18 JOURNAL OF APPLIED AQMCULTURE

INTRODUCTION
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Appropriate pond management can reduce costs of shrimp mariculture.

Taking advantage of naturalproductivity and reducing water exchange are
two aspects that have been shown to improve the economical feasibility of
shrimp farming projects (Sandifer and Hopkins 1996). There have been nu-
merous reports of the importance of natural productivity on thc nutrition of
farrncd shrimp (Anderson et al. 1987; Castille and Lawrence 1989; Jory
1995; Browdy 1996). The problem is how to maintain in the ponds an ade-
quate density of those organisms that shrimp effectively consume (White
1986).
Low- or no-water exchange ponds have been successfully used for semi-
intensive or intensive culture of shrimp without reduction of yield and with
an improvement of water quality discharge (Sandifer and Hopkins 1996). A
drastic reduction in water exchange in semi-arid regions, such as northwest-
ern Mexico, could result in a significant increase in salinity beyond the range
recommended for culture of penaeid shrimps (Bray et al. 1994). Further,
dissolved oxygen could be reduced to sub-optimal levels for shrimp culture.
Martinez-Cordova et al. (1995) conducted an experiment in that region and
showed that water exchanges lower than 5% adversely affected survival and
yield of white shrimp, Petzaeus vannamei, if no aeration was supplied. A
subsequent study (Martinez-Cordova et al. 1997) demonstrated that an aera-
tion rate of 6 hourslday and a water exchange rate of 5% was enough to
increase survival and yield up to the levels obtained with a water exchange
rate of 15%.
Yellowleg shrimp, Penaeus calijbrniensis, is a native species of the eastern
Pacific, ranging from San Francisco Bay in the United States to Peru, includ-
ing the Gulf of California (Hendricks 1996). This shrimp is not presently
commercially farmed, probably because its development under farming con-
ditions is less suitable than that obtained with tropical species such as white
shrimp or blue shrimp, Penaeus stylirostris. However, yellowleg shrimp can
grow well at temperatures lower than 20°C, which are recorded in northwest-
ern Mexico from November to March. At these temperatures tropical species
are not successfully farmcd, and yellowleg shrimp could be a feasible alterna-
tive. Some experimental studies have been conducted to culture this species
at cold temperatures. Recently a commercial trial has been concluded with
promising results (Figueroa 1996).
The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of four aeration
rates on the development of biotic communities in low-water exchange ponds
farming yellowleg shrimp in the winter season. The effect on water quality
and growth, survival, yield, and feed conversion ratio of shrimp was also
considered.
 Martittez-Cordova el al.

MATERkiU AND METHODS

The experiment was conducted during 23 weeks at the facilities of the

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Department of Scientific and Technological Research of the University of

Sonora at Bahia Kino, Sonora, northwestern Mexico. Twelve experimental
units consisting of 200-m2 earthen ponds were used. A completely random-
ized experimental design with three replicates was set up. Treatments con-
sisted of four aeration rates: 0 , 6 (from 2400 to 0600 hours), 12 (from 1800 to
0600 hours), and 24 hourslday. Water was supplied from La Cruz estuary by
means of a 5-horse-power centrifuge pump. It was connected to the ponds
through 4" PVC tubes with individual valves to maintain a water flow of
approximately 5% of pond capacity per day. This rate also included losses by
evaporation and filtration (actual water exchange was lower than 3%). Aera-
tion was supplied by means of a 5-horse-power Rotron blower (Fritz Aqua-
culture, Dallas, exa as'). Air was conducted through 1" PVC perforated tubes
placed along the bottom of the ponds. Individual valves were used to open or
close air pass. During the time that aeration was suspended in treatments of 6
and 12 hours, a valve was opened to eliminate air in order to maintain
approximately the same air pressure all time in the other ponds.
Each pond was stocked with 4000 postlarvae (20/m2) of yellowleg shrimp
hatched at the facilities of Center of Biological Research of Northwest in
Guaymas, Sonora. Shrimp were fed with Camaronina-25 (Purina, Cd Obre-
gon, Mexico) that contained 25% crude protein. Daily feeding rate was 10%
of shrimp biomass the two first weeks and 4% for the rest of the culture
period.
Water quality parameters, including temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen,
biochemical oxygen demand, pH, organic matter (in water and sediment), and
ammonia, were recorded in the ponds. Temperature and dissolved oxygen
were measured twice a day (0600 and 1300 hours); salinty and pH were
recorded once a day (1300 hours); organic matter, BOD and ammonia were
recorded weekly. Temperature was measured by means of a thermometer with
a scale of 0-50°C and a precision of O.l°C. Salinity was determined with a
refractometer type salinometer Goldberg (Fritz Aquaculture, Dallas, Texas)
and pH with an Orion pH meter (Orion Research Inc., Boston, Massachusetts).
Organic matter were measured by burning dry sediment at 540°C, and weigh-
ing the ash in a digital Mettler balance. BOD was determined by incubation in
BOD dark bottles, and determining oxygen concentration by the Winkler
method (Strikland and Parsons 1972). Ammonia was measured by spectropho-
tometry using a Hach DR2000 (Hach Company, Loveland, Colorado).
To determine chlorophyll a concentration, 1 L of water was taken from
three different points in each pond at 50 cm deep. Chlorophyll a was mea-
l. Use of trade or manufacturer's name does not imply endorsement.
 20 JOURNAL OF APPLIED AQUACULTURE

sured every wcek by spectrophotometry following the method suggcsted by

Strikland and Parsons (1972).
To observe composition and abundance of zooplankton, a sample of 30 L of
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water was filtered weekly from each pond by means o f a bucket with a 60 pm
mesh on one side. Samples were taken from three points in each pond,
introducing the bucket to the bottom, and trawling it to the surface. An aliquote
of the filtered portion was analyzed in a stereoscope to identify and wunt
zooplankton organisms at level o f general groups (copepods, polychaetes, etc.).
A sample o f sediment was taken every two weeks from each pond in order
to observe composition and abundance o f benthic organisms. Samples were
taken at the approximate middle o f the ponds by means o f a core sampler
(10 cm in diameter, 20 cm penetration). Sediment was passed through 3 sieve
meshes: 10-mm, 5-mm and 1-mm. Organisms were collected, identified, and
counted. A stereoscope was used when necessary.
Fifty shrimp from each pond were weighed individually every week to
determine their growth and to adjust the feeding ration. After 23 weeks
shrimp werc collected by a trawling net. They were weighed and counted to
determine final biomass and survival.
A multifactorial analysis of variance (Statgraphics version 3.0 computer
program) was performed to evaluate the effect o f treatments and month o f
culture on the abundance o f biotic communities, water quality parameters,
and growth o f shrimp. Monthly means o f water quality parameters were used
in the analysis. For survival and feed conversion ratio, ANOVA considered
only the effect of treatment, using the final values. A multiple range test (in
thc same computer program) was used to find the minimal statistical differ-
ences and to rank means o f each one o f these parameters. A level o f signifi-
cance o f P = 0.05 was considcred for these statistical procedures.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 1 shows means (+ SE) o f water quality parameters as well as abun-

dances o f biotic communitics in the four treatments during the entire farming
period. A l l of them showed significant variation (P c 0.05) through the
culture period. N o significant differences (P > 0.05) in temperature, salinity,
afteroon dissolved oxygen, and p H were observed among treatments. Morn-
ing dissolved oxygen varied significantly (P< 0.05) among treatments, with
the lowest values in ponds with lower aeration rates. Ammonia and organic
mattcr in sediment recorded concentrations significantly higher (P < 0.05) in
treatments with 0 and 6 hoursiday of aeration. Conversely, biochemical oxy-
gen demand and organic matter in water showed higher values in treatments
with higher aeration rates. Primary productivity of phytoplankton (measured
as chlorophyll a) did not show significant differences among treatments (P <
 Martinez-Cordova et 01. 21

0.05). Zooplankton abundance was higher (P < 0.05) in the 6 and 12 hours/
day aeration treatments. Abundance of benthic organisms also exhibited sig-
nificant differences (P < 0.05) among treatments. The greater abundances
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were recorded in treatments with 6 and 12 hourslday of aeration. The above

results suggest that aeration has a significant effect either on water quality
and abundance of biotic communities in the ponds. This effect is related not
only to the incorporation of oxygen in the water column, but also to resuspen-
sion o f organic matter from pond bottom.
Total growth was significantly higher in ponds with 6 and 12 hours of
aeration (Table 2). N o significant differences (P > 0.05) in survival were

TABLE 1. Means i SE of water aualitv oarameters and abundance of biotic

communities in low-water exchange farming yellowleg shrimp Penaeus
californiensis,with four aeration rates. Means in arow with different letters were
significantly different (P < 0.05).

Aeration
0 hours 6 hours 12 hour 24 hours

Morning temperature ('C) 17.8*3.2a 17.9f3.1a 17.9% 3.2a 18.Of 3.2a

ARernoon temperature ("C) 21.1f3.0a 2 l.1*3.1a 21.213.la 21.1f3.0a
Salinih (ppt) 43.9*2.5a 44.0f 2.6a 44.0f 2.5a 44.1 f 2.6a
Morning dissolved oxygen (ppt) 4.15f O.8b 4.64*0.7ab 4.805 0.6ab 4.95f 0.5a
ARernoon dissolved oxygen (ppt) *
7.13 1.la 7.23 f 1.3a 7.28% 1.9a 7.36* 1.9a
pH 8.32*0.41a 8.27f0.39a 8.2110.40a 8.15f0.38a
Ammonia O.8OfO.la 0.70*0.09a 0.60*0.06ab 0.50*0.04b
Organic matter in water (glL) 1.20f0.25b 1.40f 0.26b 2.3010.35a 2.80f0.34a
Organic matter in sediment (%) 6.50f0.7a 6.00f0.8ab 4.6010.7b 3.50*1.lb
Biochemical oxygen demand (mglL) 1.20+0.3b 1.80f 0.2a 1.80% 0.2a 1.90f0.3a
Chlorophylla (mglm3) 2.20f0.33a 2.40f 0.41a 2.40k0.37a 2.10f 0.29a
Zooplankton (or /L) 260f46.3b 340*39.7a 380% 41.la 250f37.4b
B
Benthos (orglm ) 32 f 6.5b 48 f 7.2a 3 6 f 6.9ab 26i5.9b

TABLE 2. MeanskSE of growth, survival, yield and food rate conversion of

yellowleg shrimp, ~enaeu~californiensis, farmed in reduced water exchange
pond with four aeration rates. Means in a row with different letters were sianifi-
cantly different (P 0.05). .: -
Aeration
0 hours 6 hours 12 hours 24 hours

Told weight gain (9) 10.1 f0.31b 11.2f0.33a 11.8k0.26a 9.901 0.23b
Survival (%) 50.0fl.la 50.8f1.2a 51.211.5a 52.011.8a
Meld (kglha) 1012i22.1b 1138i30.2ab 1208121.3a 1029f 19.9b
Feeding conversion ratio 2.801 0.2a 2.40f 0.12ab 2.30+ 0.14b 2.80f0.12a
 22 JOURNAL OF APPLIED AQUACULTURE

observed among treatments. Higher yields wcre obtained in the 6 and 12

hourslday aeration treatments. Food conversion ratio was lower in the treat-
mcnts with 6 and 12 hours o f aeration. The above results indicate that aera-
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tion did not have a dircct effect on the yellowleg shrimp, since survival was
similar in the four treatments. This is in contrast to the results obtained by
Martinez-Cordova ct al. (1997), who found that aeration had a direct effect on
survival and growth o f white shrimp during the summer. It must be taken into
considcration that dissolved oxygen levels in warmer waters are usually
lower, and the effect of aeration is more significant. Thc positive effect o f 6
and 12 hours o f aeration on growth o f yellowleg shrimp is probably due to
the improvement of water quality and the enhancement o f biotic communities
in the ponds. This would agree with the results reported by other researchers
who have found that natural food is a very important element in the nutrition
o f farmed shrimp (Yufera et al. 1984; Anderson et al. 1987; Rubright et al.
1981; Chen and Chen 1992; Jory 1995)
Growth, survival, yield, and food conversion ratios obtained in the present
trial were all lower than reported for the commercial culture o f tropical
shrimp in warmcr regions (Tseng 1988; Lee and Wickins 1992; Clifford
1994). Those results were obtained in semi-intensive ponds with standard
water exchange (10 to 15%/day). Hopkins et al. (1996) obtained growths and
food conversion ratios similar to those observed in the present study, but
better survival and yield, in an intensive culture o f white shrimp in aereated
ponds without watcr cxchange. The extremely low temperatures recorded
during some months o f the culture (some times under ll°C), resulted in little
or no growth, and probably mortality o f shrimp. When temperature increased
in March, growth rate also increased. The duration of the study (151 days)
may also contributed to increase the mortality when compared to the standard
time o f culture for tropical specks. Thcse factors led the trial having low
yields and high food conversion ratios.
Data indicate that yellowleg shrimp can be grown during the winter in low
water exchange ponds with 6 hours of aeration without very adverse effect on
growth and survival.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors want to thank Conacyt (The Mexican Council o f Science and
Technology) for the financial support to this study.

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 Martinez-Cordova et al. 23

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