Freshwater Prawn Farm Culture Techniques and the Development of Prawn Culture in Jamaica

Defense Date

1990

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

M.S. Marine Biology

First Advisor

Bart J. Baca

Abstract

Freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, also known as crayfish or river shrimp, is a large decapod caridean crustacean found throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The life history has been studied by a number of investigators. Generally it is thought that females release larvae in brackish estuarine waters where the larvae mature and metamorphose into benthic postlarvae which migrate upstream (1 , 2 ).

Macrobrachium rosenbergii is a fast growing freshwater shrimp which, when cultured, reach a market size of 42-57 grams (1.5 – 2.0 ounces) in 4-6 months from initial stocking , Compared to other species of Macrobrachium, they are relatively nonaggressive, somewhat tolerant to crowding, and feed on a variety of plant and animal material as well as commercially prepared foods. Prawns are adaptable to culture in various temperatures from 18-380C (650F to 1000F). Optimum growth occurs near 310C (880F). The larvae require brackish water (approximately half-strength sea water) for successful rearing, while adults can be reared in fresh to slightly brackish water [1].

The purpose of this paper is to give general information about the basic requirements for the culture of the freshwater prawn and to provide a general review of prawn culture practices in Jamaica.

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