Development of phytoplankton communities and common off-flavors in a biofloc technology system used for the culture of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

► We examined phytoplankton and common off-flavors in a biofloc technology system. ► Phytoplankton communities in tanks were dominated by green algae and diatoms. ► Water and catfish fillets were analyzed for common off-flavor compounds. ► Earthy and musty compounds were present in many water and catfish fillet samples. ► The microbial sources of earthy and musty compounds in the system remain unknown.