The integration of multiple species has been proposed as a strategy to improve resource use efficiency in intensive aquaculture systems. This study evaluated the inclusion of a native fish species, yellowtail lambari (Astyanax bimaculatus), in a biofloc-based aquaponic system co-cultivating Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata). The experiment was conducted over 35 days using eight experimental units with two treatments (with and without lambari) and four replicates. Water quality, zootechnical performance, lettuce growth, hematological parameters of tilapia, and nitrogen and phosphorus retention were assessed. The presence of lambari was associated with lower total ammonia nitrogen, toxic ammonia, and total suspended solids, particularly during the final stage of the experimental period (p 0.05). In addition, nitrogen and phosphorus retention at the system level were higher in the lambari treatment (p < 0.05), although no differences were detected when fish and plants were evaluated separately. These results indicate that the inclusion of a native fish species can influence nutrient retention and productivity in biofloc-based aquaponic systems without compromising the performance of the primary cultured species.
Jatobá et al. (Sun,) studied this question.