Grow-out of the tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon in floating net cages in Batan Bay, northern Panay

Abstract

The effects of two stocking densities and two feed combinations on growth, survival and production of the giant tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon in floating net cages were studied in an attempt to refine the existing technology on cage culture of tiger shrimp for the benefit of small- and medium-scale fish farmers. Four treatments were tested, replicated in time: stocking density of 100 shrimp/m2, feeding with 70% commercial shrimp pellets P and 30% 'trash fish' F; 100 shrimp/m2 and 50% P + 50% F; 200 shrimp/m2 and 70% P + 30% F; and 200 shrimp/m2 and 50% P + 50% F. Harvested after 93–95 d, the shrimps at the lower density treatments were significantly larger and had greater proportion of good sizes (>18 g body weight). Although the combination of 70% P + 30% F resulted in better growth, the combination of 50% P + 50% F resulted in more good-size shrimps. Survival, production, and gross income were not significantly different among treatments. None of the treatments in this study was economically viable. Gross income was very low due to poor growth and survival, mostly due to luminous vibriosis, then a new disease that eventually wiped out many shrimp hatcheries and ponds around Panay Island.