Coastal Aquaculture and Mariculture (2+1)

Unit 2 - Traits of important cultivable species

2.7. Shrimps
Shrimps are the most widely cultivated marine/brackish water species in India. Among edible crustaceans, shrimp are considered as highly valuable commodity. They are produced mainly for export purpose although local demand in the coastal areas exists. Shrimps catches from the wild has been stagnating since 1990s. Interest in the culture of shrimps started in the 1990s in India due to high export potential and apparent high profits of the Industry.
The shrimp Industry of India is spread over the entire coastline. At present India is 5th in aquaculture production of shrimps in the World.
Although Indian shrimp industry is supported by many species, only a few of them are suitable for aquaculture on account of their traits suitable for aquaculture. Due to its large size and faster growth rate, Penaeus monodon is the most widely grown shrimp in India and south east Asia. Other suitable species for culture in India are P. indicus, P. merguiensis and P. semisulcatus. P.japonicus is grown in Japan while P. vennamei is the most widely cultivated species in the south and central America.

Penaeus monodon
This also called as tiger shrimp. This the largest of the marine shrimps. Attains a maximum length of 365 mm and 440 g in weight. Found throughout the coast of India. Maximum abundance in the north east coast of India. Juveniles and sub-adults are found in estuaries, backwaters and mangrove areas while mature adults are caught from the sea.
Can tolerate very low salinity. This is the fastest growing hardy shrimp, therefore suitable for aquaculture.
Attains maturity at about 200 mm size. Spawning takes place at depths between 30 and 60 m. Fecundity is 2- 19 lakh eggs at a size range of 200 to 260 mm.

Penaeus indicus
Commonly known as Indian white shrimp. Distributed from Goa to Kanyakumari on the west coast and throughout the east coast. Grows to maximum size of 230 mm. Juveniles are caught extensively in estuaries, adults are found in the sea.
Requires higher salinity than P. monodon in culture ponds. Attains maturity at about 130 mm size. Spawning takes place in deeper waters. Matures in ponds. Fecundity is 68000 to 73000 eggs per individual.

Penaeus merguiensis
The banana prawn P. merguiensis has a discontinuous and restricted distribution along the Indian coast. It is found South of Maharashtra to Goa and North Karnataka along the west and in Andhra Pradesh and Orissa on the west coast. It grows to a maximum size of 240 mm and attains maturity at a size of about 140 mm. On an average it produces about 4.5 lakh eggs per spawning.
The juveniles are found in the estuary but adults migrate to sea for maturity and spawning. However, it readily matures in captivity. Juveniles grow faster in brackish waters.

Penaeus semisulcates
It is commonly called green tiger shrimp. It is found in large quantities in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay. Minor fishery exists in Gujrath, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. Juveniles of this species are not found in estuaries unlike the other cultivable shrimps of India. The shrimps prefer shallow areas of the sea where luxuriant growth of sea grass is found. Matures at a size of about 130 mm and breed almost throughout the year.