Principles of Genetics and Breeding

5.1.4 Interspecific hybridization of the tiger prawns

5.1.4 Interspecific hybridization of the tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon x P. esculentus )

Interspecific hybridization can increase productivity through

• hybrid vigour,
• produce animals that are sterile, or
• combine desirablecharacteristics found in one species with those of another.
• Attempts to produce hybrid crustaceans are few, largely because control of reproduction and mating in crustaceans was limited.
• Interspecies hybrids of penaeid prawns have been successfully achieved for P. setiferus x P. stylirostrus, P. setiferus x P. schmitti and reciprocal crosses of P. monodon and P. penicillatus although spawn rate, hatch rate, and the survival of hybrid progeny to post-larval stages were low compared with the intraspecific matings.
• No successful matings or induced maturation of hybrid females by eyestalk ablation has been successful, although sperm and ova were observed in mature hybrids from P. setiferus x P. schmitti crosses.
• The hybrids of P. monodon x P. penicillatus reciprocal crosses, were recorded as growing faster than either of the parental species.
• The several interspecies hybridization attempts with penaeids have successfully produced larvae is promising, but the low hatch rates in the hybrids, lack of hybrid vigour, sterility in hybrids suggest that immediate commercial application are unlikely.