The Role of Silicate in Vannamei Shrimp Aquaculture (Litopenaeus vannamei)

The use of silicate in vannamei shrimp aquaculture (Litopenaeus vannamei) is an important strategy for maintaining pond ecosystem balance, particularly through the stimulation of beneficial phytoplankton. Silicate supports diatom dominance, improves environmental quality, and contributes to shrimp growth, health, and economic profitability.

1. Diatom Stimulation as the Primary Natural Feed
   
   Silicate is the primary limiting nutrient for diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) such as Thalassiosira sp. and Chaetoceros sp. Diatoms require silica (SiO₂) to form their cell walls (frustules). Adequate silicate availability promotes diatom dominance in pond waters, which are known for their high nutritional value and cell size suitable for the mouth opening of postlarval shrimp.
   
   Scientific data indicate that sodium metasilicate supplementation significantly increases diatom dominance. In biofloc systems, an average silica concentration of 8.2 mg/L resulted in higher diatom dominance compared to control systems with silica levels of 2.5 mg/L. This condition supports sustainable availability of high-quality natural feed.
   
   
2. Improvement of Growth Rate and Survival
   
   Optimal silicate availability directly contributes to shrimp growth performance through natural food chains and water quality stability. Diatom dominance helps create a more balanced environment and reduces stress pressure on shrimp.
   
   Empirically, silicate application at household-scale ponds has been reported to achieve Survival Rates (SR) of up to 90.1%, with continuous weekly growth improvement. Utilization of natural feed stimulated by silicate also helps reduce Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), as shrimp do not rely solely on artificial feed.
   
   
3. Enhancement of Shrimp Immune System and Health
   
   In addition to its role in the aquatic environment, silicate also provides benefits when included in feed formulations as a mineral supplement. Natural silicate contributes to enhanced non-specific immune responses in shrimp.
   
   Studies show that supplementation with natural silicate minerals, such as combinations of Natural Silicate and Yeast, can increase Total Haemocyte Count (THC) and lysozyme activity. These parameters are key indicators of shrimp immune system strength in response to pathogenic challenges.
   
   
4. Increased Harvest Yield and Economic Benefits
   
   Proper silicate management provides positive impacts not only biologically but also economically. Ponds supplemented with silicate show increased productivity and operational efficiency.
   
   Quantitatively, ponds implementing silicate supplementation were able to produce biomass up to 3.0 kg/m³ or equivalent to 36.2 tons/ha per cycle, higher than ponds without silicate supplementation, which produced only 2.8 kg/m³. Implementation of this strategy has been reported to increase income by up to 10.55%.
   
   

Silicate is a key component in modern vannamei shrimp pond management. Through diatom stimulation, improved growth and survival, enhanced immune function, and increased harvest yield, silicate becomes a strategic element in sustainable and profitable shrimp aquaculture.

References

• https://doi.org/10.55113/fwj.v2i2.808
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2022.738566
• http://dx.doi.org/10.15578/chanos.v20i2.11222
• https://doi.org/10.19027/jai.21.1.41-51