Can photoperiod improve growth performance and antioxidant responses of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) reared in recirculation aquaculture systems?

The present study investigated the best photoperiod for culturing pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) in recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS) based on its growth performance and hematological and oxidative stress responses. Juveniles (∼ 5 g) were subjected to five treatments (in triplicate): 24 L (light):0D (dark), 15 L: 09D, 12 L:12D, 9 L:15D, and 0 L:24D for 45 days. A total of 225 pacu individuals were randomly distributed among 15 tanks of 210 L (n = 15 per tank).