Author(s): Jacob O. Abwao, Priscilla N. Boera, Jonathan M. Munguti, Paul S. Orina and Erick O. Ogello

Abstract: The rapid growth in aquaculture has triggered new technological advancement such as periphyton based aquaculture. Periphyton is comprised of groups of algae, filamentous bacteria etc. This technology works on the basis of introduction of substrates into the water to support the growth of periphyton, which becomes food for fish. Periphyton also purifies water in the culture system through uptake of nutrients from the water. Studies have reported higher Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production in periphyton based systems. Proximate analysis has shown that periphyton contains 27.19% crude protein, 18% lipid and 52% carbohydrates indicating that periphyton are nutritionally better than most commercial grow out feeds used for O. niloticus grow outs. Upto 5.61% Specific growth rate for Nile tilapia can be achieved using the periphyton technology. This technology is cheap and is appropriate for fish farmers especially in the developing countries.

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