Use of artificial substrates in the culture of Litopenaeus vannamei (Biofloc System) at different stocking densities: Effects on microbial activity, water quality and production rates

► We tested the use of artificial substrates in superintensive culture of L. vannamei with bioflocs. ► The periphyton biomass and the biological activity in the substrates were low. ► The substrates did not appear to affect water quality and were not an obvious source of food. ► The substrates reduced the relative stocking density and improved shrimp performance. ► In tanks with a larger biomass, substrates had a larger effect on shrimp production.