White-tailed shrimp, also known as *Litopenaeus vannamei*, is a widely farmed species due to its fast growth, adaptability, and high market demand. Understanding its biological characteristics and proper pond management techniques are essential for successful aquaculture.
**1. Biological Characteristics of White-Tailed Shrimp**
- **Habitat and Environmental Adaptability:**
These shrimp prefer shallow coastal waters and can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. They thrive in temperatures between 2°C and 39°C, and some individuals can survive even at -3°C. Their salinity tolerance ranges from 3.87‰ to 30‰, making them highly adaptable. However, they grow most rapidly in brackish water environments. One limitation is their low tolerance to hypoxia; when dissolved oxygen levels drop below 1 mg/L, they may suffer from stress or even die.
- **Diet and Growth Rate:**
White-tailed shrimp are omnivorous, feeding on both plant and animal matter. They particularly favor fresh fish, small crustaceans, and shellfish. Their growth cycle is relatively short, typically reaching marketable size within 2 to 3 months, depending on the conditions.
- **Breeding Habits:**
These shrimp have a high reproductive capacity, with females often carrying eggs throughout the year. Breeding usually occurs during spring, summer, and autumn, with multiple spawning events—about 10 times per year—depending on the environment and food availability.
**2. Pond Cultivation Techniques for White-Tailed Shrimp**
- **Pond Conditions:**
While general shrimp ponds can be used, it's ideal to select sites near estuaries where natural shrimp populations are abundant and salinity is lower. This ensures better access to natural feed and improves overall survival rates.
- **Stocking Seedlings:**
There are several methods for stocking white-tailed shrimp larvae. One common approach is to collect long-haired shrimp from late July to mid-August (lunar calendar), ensuring that seedlings are no longer than 2 cm. Careful handling is necessary to avoid losing them during transfer. Another method involves monitoring wild populations and using nets to capture seedlings when they appear. Fertilizing the pond to increase algae density can also enhance food availability for newly hatched shrimp, improving their survival rate. Combining these strategies can significantly boost productivity.
- **Feeding Practices:**
Regular feeding is crucial. Shrimp can be fed with commercial feeds, fresh fish scraps, wheat bran, or other suitable ingredients. The amount of feed depends on shrimp density, size, and feeding behavior. In early stages, feeding should be gradually increased, then reduced as water temperature drops in later months. Typically, 0.5 to 1 kg of dry feed per acre is sufficient. Feeding should stop when water temperatures fall below 5°C, as shrimp become inactive.
- **Removing Predators and Pests:**
After harvesting second-generation shrimp, residual organisms may pose threats. To eliminate these, tea seed cake (15 ppm) can be applied in the early stages of cultivation to clean the pond and reduce competition.
- **Water Quality Management:**
Maintaining good water quality is vital. During high tides, water should be exchanged by 10–20% to promote molting and improve overall health. If water quality deteriorates, more frequent exchanges are recommended.
- **Regular Monitoring and Maintenance:**
Farmers should regularly inspect the pond, observing feeding behavior, water color, embankments, and gate nets. Special attention should be given during adverse weather conditions to prevent damage and ensure the safety of the shrimp population.
- **Timely Harvesting:**
The best time to harvest is just before and after the Lunar New Year, when shrimp reach 5–6 cm in length and market prices are highest. At this stage, they can be sold fresh, providing excellent economic returns.
By following these practices, farmers can maximize yield and ensure the healthy development of white-tailed shrimp in pond systems.
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