► We evaluated a three-phase fluidized bed reactor as a biofiltration option. ► We made the hydrodynamic characterization of the three-phase fluidized bed reactor. ► At the HRT evaluated the treatment system showed a TAN removal of 27.1%. ► The average organic matter removal at the RAS was of 47.4% to BOD and 77.3% to COD. The hydrodynamic characterization and the performance evaluation of an aerobic three phase fluidized bed reactor in wastewater fish culture treatment are presented in this report. The objective of this study was to evaluate the organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorous removal efficiency in a physical and biological wastewater treatment system of an intensive Nile Tilapia laboratory production with recirculation. The treatment system comprised of a conventional sedimentation basin operated at a hydraulic detention time HDT of 2.94h and an aerobic three phase airlift fluidized bed reactor AAFBR operated at an 11.9min HDT. Granular activated carbon was used as support media with density of 1.64g/cm3 and effective size of 0.34mm in an 80g/L constant concentration. Mean removal efficiencies of BOD, COD, phosphorous, total ammonia nitrogen and total nitrogen were 47%, 77%, 38%, 27% and 24%, respectively. The evaluated system proved an effective alternative for water reuse in the recirculation system capable of maintaining water quality characteristics within the recommended values for fish farming and met the Brazilian standards for final effluent discharges with exception of phosphorous values.