White-tailed shrimp, also known as *Litopenaeus vannamei*, is a widely farmed species due to its adaptability and fast growth. Understanding its biological characteristics is essential for successful aquaculture.
**1. Biological Characteristics**
- **Habitat and Adaptability**: White-tailed shrimp prefer shallow coastal waters and can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. They thrive in temperatures between 2°C and 39°C, with the ability to survive at -3°C. Their salinity tolerance ranges from 3.87‰ to 30‰, but they grow most efficiently in brackish water. However, they are sensitive to low oxygen levels, and concentrations below 1 mg/L can lead to stress or death.
- **Diet and Growth**: These shrimp are omnivorous, feeding on both plant and animal matter. They particularly favor fresh fish, small crustaceans, and mollusks. Their growth cycle is relatively short, reaching marketable size within 2 to 3 months under optimal conditions.
- **Breeding Habits**: White-tailed shrimp have high reproductive capacity. Females often carry eggs throughout the year, with breeding periods typically occurring in spring, summer, and autumn. On average, they can spawn up to 10 times annually.
**2. Pond Culture Practices**
- **Pond Conditions**: While general shrimp ponds can be used, those located near natural estuaries with lower salinity and abundant wild shrimp populations are ideal. The presence of nearby marine resources enhances the success of breeding and growth.
- **Seed Collection**: There are several methods for collecting white-tailed shrimp seedlings:
- From late July to mid-August (lunar calendar), long-haired shrimps are collected, and only seedlings less than 2 cm in length are introduced into the pond.
- When the last batch of seedlings appears in the sea, nets are used to capture them and transfer them into the pond.
- Fertilizing the pond with organic materials helps increase the density of plankton, providing more food for the young shrimp. This method is especially effective after early August when the second generation begins to hatch.
- **Feeding Management**: Shrimp should be fed daily, using a combination of fresh bait, fish meal, and wheat bran. The amount of feed depends on the shrimp density, size, and consumption rate. In the early stages, feeding is gradually increased, while it is reduced or stopped as water temperature drops. Typically, 0.5 to 1 kg of dry feed per acre is sufficient. Feeding stops when the water temperature falls below 5°C.
- **Predator Control**: After harvesting the second generation of long-haired shrimp, predator organisms may remain in the pond. To eliminate them, tea seed cake (15 ppm) is commonly used during the early stage of culture.
- **Water Quality Management**: Regular water exchange is crucial. During high tides, the pond is flushed with new water, replacing 10% to 20% of the volume to promote molting and maintain water quality. If the water becomes poor, more frequent exchanges are necessary.
- **Monitoring and Maintenance**: Daily inspections of the pond are required. Observing shrimp behavior, water color, and the condition of the embankments, inlet/outlet gates, and netting helps prevent losses. Special attention should be given during adverse weather to ensure the safety of the shrimp.
- **Harvesting**: The best time to harvest is just before and after the Lunar New Year, when the shrimp reach 5–6 cm in length and the market demand is highest. At this point, the shrimp can be sold fresh for maximum profit.
By following these practices, farmers can effectively manage white-tailed shrimp farming, ensuring healthy growth and high yields.
Extraoral Dental Suction System,Portable Suction Machine,Dental Mobile Suction Unit,Portable Dental Suction Unit
Foshan Ja Suo Medical Device Co., LTD , https://www.jasuodental.com