Economic sustainability of tambatinga (Colossoma × Piaractus) farming in tropical earthen ponds: insights from small-scale aquaculture in Brazil

Brazil is a leading global fish producer, notably of tilapia, native species, and hybrids. Despite the potential of native species, production is constrained by limited genetic improvement, nutritional gaps, environmental challenges, low productivity, and often poor financial management. This study aimed to assess the production costs and economic viability of farming tambatinga ( Colossoma macropomum × Piaractus brachypomus ), a native hybrid species, in earthen ponds under tropical conditions. The analysis was conducted at a small-scale facility in Mato Grosso, Brazil. Zootechnical performance and operational costs were analyzed to determine cash flow, profitability, and overall economic feasibility across two production cycles. Average costs per kilogram were R$5.05 and R$4.36, for cycles 1 and 2, respectively, with feed, labor, and fingerlings comprising the largest expenses. Gross margins reached 85.7% and 103%, profitability indices were 46.2% and 50.8%, net present value (NPV) totaled R$620,981.78 and R$419,375.41, and Internal rate of return (IRR) were 341.2% and 245.5%. Discounted payback occurred within the first year (4 and 5.6 months, respectively). Even with productivity below 1 kg/m², tambatinga farming proved economically viable, balancing profitability and sustainability. These results provide a practical framework for improving small-scale tropical aquaculture and guide producers and policymakers toward sustainable fish farming strategies.