Feasibility study for alternative culture species in Taiwan — Penaeus penicillatus

Abstract

Penueus monodon has become almost synonymous with aquaculture in Taiwan, indicating the level of commercial success it has attained over the past two decades. However, other species are being considered for future culture to diversify an industry overly dependent on one product, as well as to provide the market with an alternative commodity. This paper explores the feasibility of P. penicillatus as an alternative culture species in Taiwan.

P. penicillatus has seven merits that make it ideal for aquaculture: 1) P. penicillatus is comparatively resistant to low temperature. 2) It is a medium sized “white prawn” and is attractive to the consumer. 3) The migration behavior shows good possibilities for culture in sea water. 4) Wild spawners are abundant and natural, and induced spawning in captivity is relatively easy. 5) Larvae spontaneously spawned in captivity show good survival, existing on the natural food present in the pond. 6) It has a low protein requirement and has good growth in the early stages even at high stocking densities of 100–120 prawns/m2. 7) P. penicillutus grows to a comparatively uniform size. This paper also discusses some difficulties in the culture of this prawn.