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An Issue in Honor of Yoram Avnimelech: Application of Biofloc Technology (BFT)

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A special issue of Fishes (ISSN 2410-3888). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Aquaculture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 June 2026 | Viewed by 6062

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Dr. Felipe Boéchat Vieira

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Aquaculture Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88061-600, Brazil
Interests: shrimp; biofloc; IMTA
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Dr. Mauricio G.C. Emerenciano

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CSIRO, Bribie Island Research Centre, 144 North Street, Woorim, QLD 4507, Australia
Interests: biofloc; aquaponic; sustainability
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Prof. Dr. Wilson Wasielesky

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Institute of Oceanography, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande 96203-900, Brazil
Interests: biofloc; shrimp; nitrification
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Dear Colleagues,

text

Yoram Avnimelech is an Israeli scientist and professor known for his pioneering work in aquaculture and environmental engineering, particularly in the development and advancement of biofloc technology (BFT). He has made significant contributions to sustainable aquaculture by promoting the use of microbial flocs to improve water quality and enhance fish and shrimp farming efficiency.

Professor Avnimelech played a key role in refining biofloc technology, which uses beneficial microbial communities to recycle waste (such as ammonia and organic matter) into microbial biomass, reducing the need for water exchanges and enhancing aquaculture sustainability. His research demonstrated that bioflocs serve as a natural protein-rich feed source for shrimp and fish, reducing the dependence on expensive commercial feeds. He has written influential books and research papers on biofloc systems, including the widely referenced book Biofloc Technology: A Practical Guide Book, which has helped farmers and researchers worldwide implement BFT. In addition, Professor Avnimelech provided several training courses across the globe, and his work has inspired large-scale the adoption of biofloc technology in countries such as India, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Brazil, and Ecuador, significantly improving sustainable shrimp and fish farming.

To conclude, we would like to share a few words from Dr. Yoram: "I am convinced that Biofloc Technology contributes to aquaculture production, minimizes diseases outbreaks, improves farmers’ viability and helps to preserve the environment. However, we need to improve and expand the training of farmers and maintain a dialog with the industry so as to produce more suitable feeds and equipment adaptable to BFT (especially aerators). I will be happy to help".

In recognition of Dr. Yoram Avnimelech's exceptional research throughout his distinguished career, we aim to create a Special Issue to invite contributions from scholars, collaborators, and friends across the diverse fields where he has made significant contributions.

Dr. Felipe Boéchat Vieira
Dr. Mauricio G.C. Emerenciano
Prof. Dr. Wilson Wasielesky
Guest Editors

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Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Fishes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

bacterial community
super intensive
circular economy
sustainability
nitrification
heterotrophic

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 1090 KB

Open AccessArticle

Feeding Physiology of Crassostrea gasar (Dillwyn, 1817) on Isochrysis galbana and Biofloc Diets

by Thaís Brito Freire, Flávia Lucena Zacchi, João Paulo Ramos Ferreira, Carlos Henrique Araujo de Miranda Gomes and Claudio Manoel Rodrigues de Melo

Fishes 2026, 11(4), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11040227 - 14 Apr 2026

Viewed by 216

Abstract

Understanding the feeding physiological mechanisms of determined oyster species is fundamental for adaptation and growth stabilization, aiming for gains in aquaculture production. To assess its potential for Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) with shrimp, we analyzed the feeding physiology of the mangrove oyster Crassostrea gasar. In this study, we determined the feeding physiology of the mangrove oyster Crassostrea gasar, a commercially important species in tropical Brazil, under two diets, live microalgae (ISO—Isochrysis galbana) and biofloc (BFT), which were tested at four concentrations (10, 20, 30, and 40 mg L⁻¹), to establish whether this species can effectively utilize BFT as a food source. Results indicated that ISO diet promoted superior filtration, characterized by a higher proportion of feces (F), suggesting a reduced need for intensive particle selection. Both clearance (CR) and filtration (FR) rates peaked at 30 mg L⁻¹ before declining, suggesting a physiological threshold for this diet. In contrast, the BFT diet elicited higher CR and FR values but triggered excessive pseudofeces (PF) production and low net organic selection efficiency (NOSE). This suggests high particle rejection and limited nutritional assimilation. In conclusion, while C. gasar can process BFT, it is metabolically disadvantageous as a sole food source. For an optimal performance, I. galbana concentrations should be maintained at or below 30 mg L⁻¹. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue An Issue in Honor of Yoram Avnimelech: Application of Biofloc Technology (BFT))

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12 pages, 1960 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biofloc Technology Improves Harmful Nitrogen and Pathogens Control and Enhances Production Performance in Intensive Penaeus vannamei Culture Ponds with Reduced Water Exchange

by Shuangyin Li, Hongyu Liu, Yiji Lin, Yucheng Cao, Guoliang Wen, Haochang Su, Xiaojuan Hu, Yu Xu, Keng Yang and Wujie Xu

Fishes 2026, 11(3), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11030170 - 15 Mar 2026

Viewed by 393

Abstract

This 90-day trial evaluated the integrated benefits of biofloc technology (BFT) in lined ponds for intensive Penaeus vannamei culture, comparing it with a conventional water-exchange (WE) system. The BFT system maintained favorable water quality with a 68.4% reduction in cumulative water exchange. Concentrations of toxic total ammonia–nitrogen (TAN) and nitrite–nitrogen (NO₂⁻-N) were better controlled, and total suspended solids (TSS) stabilized within a beneficial range (150–200 mg L⁻¹). Microbial analysis indicated that BFT significantly increased total bacterial abundance in both culture water and shrimp hepatopancreas while reducing the total Vibrio-to-bacteria ratio in culture water to below 6%, significantly lower than in the WE system (>18%). Moreover, BFT significantly lowered the loads of specific pathogens, acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND)-causing Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) in both culture water and shrimp hepatopancreas. Regarding production performance, BFT significantly enhanced shrimp survival rate (82.4% vs. 71.5%), yield (3460 vs. 2948 kg pond⁻¹), and water productivity (0.85 vs. 0.28 kg m⁻³), while lowering the feed conversion ratio (1.16 vs. 1.33). In conclusion, BFT achieves stable water quality, effective pathogen suppression, and enhanced production efficiency through microbial regulation, offering a viable water-saving, environmentally sound, and disease-resilient strategy for intensive P. vannamei culture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue An Issue in Honor of Yoram Avnimelech: Application of Biofloc Technology (BFT))

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20 pages, 5608 KB

Open AccessArticle

In Situ Cultivation of Autotrophic Bioflocs Enables Zero-Water-Exchange Intensive Shrimp Farming: Mechanisms and Applications

by Miao Xie, Yongkui Liu, Xuanzhi Hu, Miao Zhang, Huanying Pang, Jia Cai, Yishan Lu, Jichang Jian and Yu Huang

Fishes 2026, 11(3), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11030148 - 2 Mar 2026

Viewed by 435

Abstract

Research on heterotrophic bioflocs is extensive, whereas investigations into autotrophic bioflocs remain limited. This study established an in situ autotrophic biofloc (ABF) system for intensive Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) farming, aiming for zero water exchange and optimized water quality. A 120-day indoor experiment tested three stocking densities (300 (T1), 250 (T2), and 200 shrimp per m³ (T3)) with no water exchange. Water quality was monitored every two days, and bacterial communities were analyzed on days 10 and 70. The results indicated that ABF maturation was achieved by day 70 across all treatments, marked by three key indicators: (1) synchronous declines in nitrite and nitrate concentrations; (2) concurrent decreases in pH and total alkalinity approaching maturation; and (3) sustained high nitrogen removal efficiency (nitrite < 0.7 mg/L, ammonia < 0.6 mg/L). All density groups displayed similar patterns in both water quality dynamics and microbial community evolution. Bacterial analysis revealed that dominant genera such as Ruegeria, Bacillus, Muricauda, SM1A02, and Nitrospira played critical roles in toxic nitrogen removal, while pathogenic Klebsiella and Vibrio significantly decreased post-maturation. Heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification microorganisms (HNADMs) were identified as potentially responsible for nitrite accumulation. Nitrite accumulation was found in all groups. T2 and T3 achieved satisfactory breeding performance despite pre-maturation nitrate peaks exceeding 40 mg/L, whereas T1 suffered a low survival rate (27.47%) due to severe nitrite accumulation (>50 mg/L). A biofloc volume (BFV) of 4–8 mL/L effectively managed daily feed inputs of 75–110 g/m³. These findings lay a theoretical and technical foundation for the application of in situ ABF cultivation in intensive farming and enhance the sustainability of aquaculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue An Issue in Honor of Yoram Avnimelech: Application of Biofloc Technology (BFT))

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18 pages, 2737 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Organoclay as an Artificial Micro Substrate for Chemoautotrophic Biofloc Aquaculture Systems (BFT)

by Talita Ribeiro Gagliardi, Maria Helena de Araujo Mendes, Claudia Machado, Loic Hilliou, Wilson Wasielesky, Jr. and Felipe Boéchat Vieira

Fishes 2026, 11(2), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11020094 - 4 Feb 2026

Viewed by 392

Abstract

This study investigated the characterization and application of organoclay formulations in a chemoautotrophic biofloc system. Organoclays were produced using the calcination method and bentonite, chitosan, corn, and tapioca starches as ingredients. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the high thermal stability of bentonite, whereas biopolymers (tapioca, chitosan, and corn starch) exhibited greater thermal sensitivity and a lower residual mass. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that organoclays had increased porosity (4–21 µm) compared to bentonite, while energy-dispersive spectroscopy confirmed the retention of key chemical elements. X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated structural modifications due to thermal processing. In aqueous conditions, bentonite and organoclays disaggregated into particles with sizes between 0.76 and 1.24 μm. Based on these physicochemical properties, three formulations were selected for nitrification trials due to their stability in water, O1 (bentonite + tapioca), O2 (bentonite + tapioca + chitosan), and O6 (bentonite + corn starch), along with a 100% bentonite treatment and a control group (C) supplemented with inorganic salts and artificial Needlona^® substrates. All treatments achieved full nitrification within 37 days, with O1 exhibiting the best performance by maintaining ammonia and nitrite levels within safe thresholds. These findings suggest that organoclays, particularly O1, can enhance nitrification stability, providing a promising strategy for water quality management in intensive aquaculture systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue An Issue in Honor of Yoram Avnimelech: Application of Biofloc Technology (BFT))

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24 pages, 5334 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Shifts in Bacterial Community on Improving Water Quality and Growth Performance of Pacific Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in Biofloc Systems

by Hai-Hong Huang, Chao Cheng, Li-Li Guo, Wan-Sheng Zou, Yan-Ju Lei, Wei-Qi Kuang, Bo-Lan Zhou, Pin-Hong Yang and Chao-Yun Li

Fishes 2025, 10(12), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10120626 - 6 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 852

Abstract

This study aimed to induce a shift in a bacterial community by adding substrate into a biofloc system to characterize this shift and estimate its benefits in improving water quality and aquatic animal growth. We compared the bacterial communities between two biofloc systems, either with (sB treatment) or without (nB treatment) the addition of substrate (elastic solid packing filler), and we also analyzed the effects of the shift on the water quality and growth performance of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Beta diversity analysis indicated that the bacterial communities in the two treatments were significantly different (Jaccard index 0.94 ± 0.01, pseudo-F = 3.96, p = 0.001). The addition of substrate showed significant positive effects on bacterial alpha diversity indices (Shannon, Heip, Pielou, and Simpson; p < 0.05) and the abundances of beneficial genera (e.g., Arenimonas, Arthrobacter, Exiguobacterium, Leadbetterella, Luteolibacter, Marinobacter, Nitratireductor, Novosphingobium, Thermomonas, Plesiocystis, and Rubrivivax; p < 0.05). In addition, the substrate also showed significant positive effects on water quality parameters (TAN, TSS, turbidity, biofloc volume, pH, and carbonate alkalinity; p < 0.05), and it also significantly improved shrimp zootechnical performance indices (survival rate, feed conversion ratio, and productivity; p < 0.05). Redundancy analysis revealed that 94.25–98.58% of the variation in the water quality and the shrimp growth performance between the two treatments could be attributed to the shift in bacterial composition and diversity induced by the addition of substrate. These findings characterize the shift in the microbial community in the biofloc system induced by the substrate, and demonstrate how this shift could be beneficial to the water quality and the growth performance of shrimp. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue An Issue in Honor of Yoram Avnimelech: Application of Biofloc Technology (BFT))

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12 pages, 829 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Intestinal Morphometry in Mugil cephalus Reared in Biofloc and Water Exchange System

by Sara Garcés, Virginia Fonseca Pedrosa, Luis Alberto Romano, Pedro Anderson de Paiva dos Santos, Luana Bortolini Giesta and Gabriele Lara

Fishes 2025, 10(10), 507; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10100507 - 9 Oct 2025

Viewed by 785

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the effect of biofloc technology on the intestinal morphometry, productive performance, and survival of juvenile Mugil cephalus. An 87-day investigation was conducted with two treatments, each with three replicates. Treatment one involved rearing juvenile M. cephalus in a biofloc system with a C/N ratio of 15:1, and treatment two involved rearing juvenile M. cephalus with a water exchange and no carbon addition. Ninety (90) juveniles of Mugil cephalus with an average weight of 117.36 ± 6.48 g were randomly distributed into six (6) circular plastic tanks of 250 L (fifteen fish per tank). At the end of the experiment, 10% of each experimental unit’s population was sacrificed for intestinal morphometry analysis. The productive performance was evaluated every 30 days by randomly sampling fish from each tank for biometric measurements, including the specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), condition factor (K), and survival. No structural changes were observed in the intestinal mucosa. The fish reared in biofloc exhibited a similar gut morphometry (villus length and villus thickness) compared to the fish in the water exchange system. The biofloc system does not compromise the gut health of mullet. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the final weight, weight gain (WG), daily weight gain (DWG), specific growth rate (SGR), condition factor (K), and survival between the treatments evaluated. M. cephalus can be reared using biofloc technology, demonstrating significant water savings compared to water exchange systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue An Issue in Honor of Yoram Avnimelech: Application of Biofloc Technology (BFT))

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14 pages, 779 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Organic Carbon Sources on Water Quality and Growth of Mugil cephalus Cultured in Biofloc Technology Systems

by Julia Eva Ayazo Genes, Mariana Holanda and Gabriele Lara

Fishes 2025, 10(9), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10090427 - 1 Sep 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1345

Abstract

The addition of organic carbon sources in biofloc technology (BFT) systems promotes microbial community development, enhancing water quality, nutrient recycling, and supplemental feeding through microbial biomass. These characteristics make BFT a viable strategy for the cultivation of promising aquaculture species, such as Mugil cephalus. This study evaluated the effects of three carbon sources—unrefined cane sugar (locally known as chancaca), refined sucrose, and beet molasses—on water quality and growth performance of M. cephalus juveniles reared in a BFT system. Juvenile mullets (4.33 ± 2.09 g) were cultured for 45 days at a stocking density of 0.03 ± 0.01 kg·m⁻³, with biofloc pre-matured in ex situ tanks. Most water quality parameters showed no significant differences among treatments (p > 0.05), except for nitrite concentrations, which were significantly higher in the sucrose group (p < 0.05). The highest growth performance was observed in the sucrose treatment, with a weight gain (WG) of 4.26 ± 0.51 g, an average daily weight gain (AWG) of 0.09 ± 0.01 g, and a thermal growth coefficient (GF3) of 1.27 ± 0.15 at a constant temperature of 24 °C. Bromatological analysis of bioflocs revealed significantly higher crude protein (CP: 9.8%) and energy content (Kcal·100 g⁻¹: 3.44 ± 0.2) in the sucrose treatment compared to chancaca (CP: 5.1%). These findings confirm that M. cephalus can be effectively cultured in BFT systems using simple carbon sources. Refined sucrose, due to its high solubility and nutritional contribution to biofloc formation, is recommended for improving growth performance and system efficiency in M. cephalus production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue An Issue in Honor of Yoram Avnimelech: Application of Biofloc Technology (BFT))

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