REPRODUCTIVE MECHANISMS IN THE GIANT FRESHWATERREPRODUCTIVE MECHANISMS IN THE GIANT FRESHWATER

The giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, is a commercially important species of crustacean cultured extensively throughout Southeast Asia. In Vietnam, where Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) is currently implementing a comprehensive project entitled “Evaluation and improvement of farming systems combining agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries in the Mekong Delta,” M. rosenbergii is considered to be an important target species by the Vietnamese Government, and its aquaculture is being actively promoted. Farmers have traditionally depended on wild sources to obtain seed for aquaculture but are now faced with dwindling resources and a shortage of natural spawners. Development of improved means of artificial seed production for M. rosenbergii in the Mekong Delta is thus essential. JIRCAS is currently implementing basic studies on the reproductive endocrinology of M. rosenbergii as part of the Mekong Delta project. Biochemical and molecular biological research is being conducted both at the project site, Cantho University’s College of Agriculture, in Cantho Province, Vietnam, in collaboration with Vietnam counterparts, and on JIRCAS Tsukuba premises. As part of our on-site studies in Vietnam, we are conductingan assessment of typical feeds utilized in freshwater prawn culture in Vietnam, and evaluating the effects of this feed on reproduction. This research is expected to be relevant in controlling female reproduction in captivity and improving seed production technology.
source:Wei-Jun YangDo Thi Thanh Huong, Masachika Maeda,
Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences

Scope for Fresh Water Prawn Culture

Considering the high export potential, the giant fresh water prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, the scampi, enjoys immense potential for culture in India. About 4 million ha. of impounded freshwater bodies in the various states of India, offer great potential for fresh water prawn culture. Scampi can be cultivated for export through monoculture in existing as well as new ponds or with compatible freshwater fishes in existing ponds. It is exported to EEC countries and USA. Since the world market for scampi is expanding with attractive prices, there is great scope for scampi production and export.