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This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the feeding rate (0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10% of body weight per day; BW.d−1) on growth performance, nutritional efficiency, and profitability of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles (3.1 ± 0.1 g) using the biofloc technology (BFT) system for 70 days. Fish were randomly stocked (15 fish. Tank−1) in 24 experimental units (50 L), while water quality parameters remained within acceptable limits for the species during the experiment. Animal performance parameters were influenced by feeding rates (P < 0.05), but not survival (P > 0.05), which remained around 81%. Final body weight, weight gain, and thermal growth coefficient increased significantly (P < 0.05); however, the gradual increase in feeding rates had reduced feed efficiency, protein, and energy productive values (P < 0.05). Whole-body lipid and gross energy increased significantly (P < 0.05) as the feeding rate increased, while the moisture content showed an opposite trend up to 5.0% BW.d−1. The results show that Nile tilapia juveniles raised in the BFT system should be fed between 4.3 and 6.1% BW.d−1 to exhibit improved profitability and growth. • Optimum feeding rate in nursery phase (3–30 g) of Nile tilapia reared in a BFT system is 6.1% BW.day−1. • From an economic viewpoint 4.3% BW.day−1 is recommended for tilapia juveniles in a BFT system. • Nile tilapia juveniles can be strategically maintained for 70 days while feeding only on bioflocs. • After 70 days of feeding only on bioflocs tilapia growth was equivalent around 20% than that of fish fed 6.1% BW.day−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]