Tambaqui ( Colossoma macropomum ) Production in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems ( RAS ): Evidence, Management Requirements and Research Gaps

Tambaqui ( Colossoma macropomum ) is an important commercial fish species in Latin America and Asia, where its production primarily relies on pond farming and net cage culture. The need for more controlled and sustainable production systems has increased interest in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). This narrative review, based on a structured literature search, synthesizes current evidence on tambaqui production in RAS throughout its production cycle. Available studies demonstrate successful production from larviculture and juvenile rearing through fattening and broodstock development, including induced reproduction. The review also examines management practices involving stocking density, temperature, feeding and nutrition, behavioral management, feed restriction, and anesthetics during handling. Evidence is strongest for larviculture and juvenile rearing under controlled experimental conditions, whereas fattening and broodstock production are promising but require further commercial‐scale validation. Despite these advances, further research is needed to validate the available findings across larger and commercial‐scale systems, improve the reporting of engineering and operational parameters, and expand knowledge on carrying capacity, techno‐economic performance, energy demand, long‐term fish welfare, and genetic management. Overall, RAS represents a technically viable and promising strategy for tambaqui production. However, commercial expansion requires system‐specific validation integrating biological performance, fish welfare, engineering efficiency, energy use, and economic viability.