TSS-optimized biofloc (200–350 mg/L) enhances survival and antioxidant defense in Cherax quadricarinatus juveniles with reduced aggression and improved water stability
摘要
This study established three total suspended solid (TSS) concentration gradients in biofloc technology (BFT) systems: low (BFTL, ≤ 200 mg/L), medium (BFTM, 200–350 mg/L), and high (BFTH, 350–500 mg/L), with clear water (CW) as control. The 35-day culture performance of redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) juveniles (initial weight 5.58 ± 0.32 mg, density 50 ind./m2) was evaluated. Results demonstrated that the BFTM group achieved the highest survival rate, significantly surpassing the control (p < 0.05), alongside the lowest limb loss rate and significantly narrower weight and length ranges compared to CW (p < 0.05). Antioxidant indicators revealed that BFTM exhibited the highest activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), with the lowest malondialdehyde (MDA) content (p < 0.05), indicating effective maintenance of antioxidant function in crayfish. In contrast, the BFTH group showed decreased SOD/CAT activities, elevated MDA levels, and reduced survival, likely due to elevated physiological stress associated with high floc density. Water quality analysis indicated that nitrogenous waste in BFT systems initially accumulated before stabilizing, with all water quality parameters remaining within safe ranges. In conclusion, TSS of 200–350 mg/L optimizes nursery culture by reducing aggression through turbidity-mediated concealment, simultaneously improving cohort uniformity and antioxidant capacity in redclaw crayfish juveniles.