Experimental culture of three new candidates for shrimp farming in Taiwan — Penaeus semisulcatus, P. brasiliensis and P. penicillatus

Abstract

Some aquaculturist believe that, as in horticulture, a variety of culture species benefits both the consumers and the producers. With this in mind, researchers at Tungkang Marine Laboratory [Pingtung, Taiwan] have been searching for new culture candidates for years. The results to date are: juveniles of Penaeus semisulcatus at an average body weight of 0.16 g averaged 33.69 g after being cultured at a density of 20/sq.m. for 315 days. The survival rate was 83.0%. Juveniles of P. brasiliensis at an average of 0.64 g grew to an average of 24.02 g in a culture period of 315 days at a stocking density of 15/sq.m. The survival rate was 44.5%; juveniles of P. penicillatus averaging 0.49 g at a stocking density of 20/sq.m. reached their marketable size of 21.34 g in only 120 days. The survival rate was 80.5%. The results of the preliminary grow-out experiments are compared and the traits of these penaeid species are discussed with emphasis on the selection of new culture candidates for shrimp farming in Taiwan.