Coastal Aquaculture and Mariculture

Unit 6- Crustaceans

6.1.3. Age and growth
Young one of less than one year old show faster growth and growth decreases as they become older. Penaeid shrimps belonging to the genus Penaeus grow to a larger size and among them the tiger prawn, P. monodon reaches a total length of 300 mm. The species such as P. indicus and P. semisulcatus reach a maximum size of 290 and 250 mm.
Size at first maturity
F. indicus attains maturity at a size of 130 mm (TL). P. monodon and P. semisulcatus mature at a carapace length of 23 mm. The species such as P. stylifera and M. dobsoni mature at 63-64 mm.
Fecundity
Penaeid shrimps have high fecundity and it varies between species and in proportion to Size of females and weight of ovary.
Spawning season
Penaeids breed throughout the year with peak spawning months varying between years. In the natural condition, a female shrimp spawns about 4-5 times in a year.
Life span
Life span of a penaeid shrimp is around two years and the O-year group contributes more to the prawn fishery.