[Performance of recirculating aquaculture systems in the intensive farming of Pacú Piaractus mesopotamicus (Characiformes: Characidae)].

An alternative to intensify fish production, reducing the environmental impact and production costs are recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). The performance of a RAS was evaluated, as fish growth and water quality conditions, in a culture of Piaractus mesopotamicus reared for ornamental purposes. Two commercial food brands with different protein contents (18%-T1 and 28%-T2), were given to juvenile fishes during an eight weeks period.