Macrobrachium prawn juvenile shrimp cultivation method
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Macrobrachium rosenbergii, commonly known as the giant freshwater prawn, requires brackish water with a specific salinity level for successful breeding, hatching, and larval development. As a result, these prawns cannot reproduce naturally when kept in freshwater ponds. Therefore, the supply of Macrobrachium rosenbergii for aquaculture largely depends on artificial propagation techniques. Coastal shrimp hatcheries can be adapted for breeding Macrobrachium rosenbergii larvae, or dedicated breeding facilities can be established to meet the demand.
Following a wintering period, sexually mature broodstock will naturally spawn and fertilize eggs under suitable environmental conditions, such as water temperatures between 24°C and 30°C. Once the larvae hatch, they must be transferred to an appropriate environment where they can develop properly. After several developmental stages, the larvae undergo metamorphosis into juvenile shrimp. When over 90% of the larvae have completed this transformation, freshwater acclimation—also known as desalination—can begin.
Before desalinating the shrimp in the same tank, any untransformed juveniles should be removed and placed in separate nursery ponds for continued growth. The desalination process involves gradually lowering the water level, then adding fresh water at the shallow end while removing brackish water from the opposite side. Maintaining a balanced inflow and outflow of water ensures a smooth transition until the entire tank contains only fresh water, typically taking 6 to 8 hours.
Once desalinated, the juvenile shrimp can be moved to intermediate cultivation ponds or directly introduced into production ponds. These young prawns, which are about 0.7 to 0.8 cm in length, are still small and vulnerable. Their feeding ability and disease resistance are relatively low, so they require careful management during the larval rearing phase, which usually lasts around one month. Once they reach a size of 3 to 5 cm, they are ready to move into the grow-out stage.
To optimize production, juvenile shrimp can be raised in greenhouses or plastic tunnels, allowing for early stocking. This method enables farmers to start growing shrimp earlier, ensuring that they reach marketable sizes before outdoor pond temperatures stabilize. By doing so, they can produce larger, more competitive commercial shrimp, improving overall profitability and market appeal.