Shellfish Breeding and Hatchery Management (2+1)

1.2.1 Natural seed resources of crustaceans

The seeds of cultivable crustaceans were originally collected from the natural wild waters as they are their breeding grounds. Most of the crustaceans have preferences for particular breeding ground or micro climate and environmental stimulii to complete their spawning. To perform the spawning they undertake migration also (spawning migration) and the obstruction in their migratory path affects their spawning drastically (E.g., Macrobrachium malcolmsonii and few other species of shrimps). These factors are known to affect the natural seed prodcution and seed resources in natural waters.

In general Indian estuaries, river mouths, coastal waters and marine ecosystems are known as rich sources for natural seed collection. A wide variety of species are known to inhabit and spawn in these waters and their seeds are available either in specified seasons or through the year (based on species). Usually estuaries are considered to be nursery grounds for the crustaceans due to their rich feed and varied ecological parameters.