Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) is a valuable commercial fish species whose intensive production is technologically challenging and economically demanding. Researchers from the Laboratory of Intensive Aquaculture at FFP USB therefore investigated the potential of In-Pond Raceway (IPR) technology, which represents a new approach to fish production in the Czech Republic.
The first study compared pikeperch rearing in RAS, IPR technology, and traditional ponds over a 24-week growing season. The highest growth and best feed utilisation were recorded in RAS, while IPR achieved lower production costs per fish produced. Traditional pond farming was unsuccessful under the experimental conditions, primarily due to low fish survival. The results showed that IPR could represent an interesting alternative in terms of production costs.
The follow-up study investigated the effects of three stocking densities in IPR. Although growth did not differ significantly, feed utilization and fish survival improved with increasing stocking density. Physiological assessments also revealed metabolic and adaptive changes, but no evidence of negative effects on fish welfare.
Both studies indicate that IPR technology could expand the possibilities for rearing pikeperch and other valuable fish species in the Czech Republic. Its potential lies in the use of existing ponds, lower investment and operating costs, protection of fish against predators, and improved control over rearing conditions.
Further details can be found in the original scientific articles:
Kučera, V., Pěnka, T., Malinovskyi, O., Kolářová, J., Regenda, J., Policar, T. (2025). Technological approaches to grow-out: a comparative study of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) culture in three different production systems during the growing season. Frontiers in Marine Science, 12, 1578274. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1578274
Kučera, V., Malinovskyi, O., Kolářová, J., Velíšek, J., Pěnka, T., Křišťan, J., Ostolaza Perez-Cruz, L., Nauman, M., Policar, T. (2026). Stocking density effects on growth and physiological responses of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) reared in in-pond raceways. Aquaculture, 626, 744441. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2026.744441
Author: Václav Kučera
