Ha Tinh: Integrated farming of black tiger shrimp and all-male tilapia offers sustainable gains
A new integrated aquaculture model piloted in Ha Tinh City is demonstrating both environmental and economic advantages by combining black tiger shrimp with all-male tilapia in the same pond system.
Implemented by the Ha Tinh Center for Scientific and Technical Application and Crop–Livestock Protection, the model involves culturing shrimp and tilapia in lined ponds in Quyet Tien residential area, Dong Mon Ward. With a total scale of 6,000 square meters, the pilot farm stocked 90,000 black tiger shrimp and 5,000 all-male tilapia. Participating farmer Nguyen Van Huong received 50% support for seed and essential equipment costs, as well as full technical guidance throughout the production cycle.
In previous years, farmers in Ha Tinh City areas like Thach Hung and Dong Mon experimented with polyculture involving shrimp, mud crabs, and golden pompano. However, limited investment often led to disease outbreaks and poor economic results. A successful model introduced in 2024, which combined shrimp, mud crabs, and mullet, has since encouraged new trials like the shrimp – tilapia system.
Black tiger shrimp is a high-value species, capable of reaching 30 cm in length and a commercial weight of 15 – 20 grams within 4- 5 months. It remains in strong demand across both domestic and international markets. Meanwhile, all-male tilapia is highly adaptable to various aquatic environments, thriving in both brackish and freshwater systems. Its natural diet includes organic detritus, filamentous algae, and microorganisms, organisms that often pollute shrimp ponds or act as disease vectors.
By introducing all-male tilapia into shrimp ponds, farmers can create a more balanced aquatic ecosystem. The tilapia effectively acts as a “clean-up crew,” consuming excess organic matter and uneaten feed, helping to suppress harmful bacteria such as Vibrio, known to cause Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) in shrimp. This results in reduced reliance on antibiotics and water treatments, paving the way for more sustainable farming.
The goal of the model is to diversify cultured species while ensuring ecological harmony in the pond environment. The complementary relationship between the two species contributes to higher productivity, improved water quality, and lower production risk.
Nguyen Van Huong, the farmer implementing the model, shared that his previous shrimp-only system often underperformed economically. After observing successful integrated farming models in the region, he adopted the shrimp–tilapia model across two lined ponds on his property.
The pond system was constructed according to technical standards, with strict monitoring of water quality, animal health, and growth rates. Stocking protocols included careful selection of healthy, uniform fingerlings and certified sources with transparent traceability. Shrimp were fed high-protein commercial pellets (30% protein), while tilapia received pellets with 22 – 30% protein, suited to their dietary needs.
Early results suggest the integrated model not only improves yields and reduces disease risk, but also contributes to a more resilient and sustainable aquaculture strategy for coastal provinces like Ha Tinh.
VFM
