Shrimps

Abstract

During 1988-1991, research at the Aquaculture Department of SEAFDEC on the shrimp Penaeus monodon has been directed towards a) the development of captive broodstock, b) the refinement of hatchery and grow-out techniques, c) the development of diets for the various stages of culture, and d) the prevention and control of diseases. Biochemical, morphological, and histological characterization of the male and female reproductive systems were conducted to provide basic information for the development of techniques for pond-reared broodstock. Studies on the refinement of hatchery techniques included determination of the environmental and feeding requirements of larvae and postlarvae to serve as basis for the improvement of management practices. Refinement of grow-out techniques included studies on the physiological response of this species to vital environmental factors and studies on the role of natural food organisms during culture. Nutrition studies have resulted in the formulation, testing, and improvement of diets for broodstock, larvae and postlarvae, juveniles, and subadult shrimps. Methods of prevention and control of the luminous bacterial disease, chronic soft shell syndrome, aflatoxicosis, monodon baculovirus (MBV) infection, and other relevant diseases have been investigated through the identification of causative agents and bioassay of possible chemo-therapeutants.

Studies to improve larval rearing of alternative shrimp species such as P. indicus, P. merguiensis, and P. japonicus have likewise been pursued. Nutritional requirements of the white shrimp species were evaluated to develop suitable formulated feeds for the different culture stages.