Green shrimp is one of the most commonly farmed species in pond aquaculture. Producing high-quality seedlings plays a vital role in boosting yields, minimizing disease outbreaks, and increasing profitability, making it a key component of successful aquaculture practices. The early part of May is an ideal time for shrimp growth. To ensure optimal conditions, several technical steps should be followed.
First, the nursery pond should be selected carefully. It’s best to choose an area between 3 to 7 mu (approximately 2 to 4.7 acres), with a depth of 1.2 to 1.5 meters. The slope ratio should be around 1:2.5, and the bottom must remain flat. Shrimp ditches should be dug in the pond to help with easier catching. The drainage system should be sloped to facilitate water flow. Inlet pipes should be fitted with 40- or 60-mesh filters to prevent small fish and their eggs from entering the pond. Before stocking, the broodstock should be bathed for 7 to 10 days, and each acre should be disinfected using 50 to 75 kg of clear lime.
The breeding season for broodstock typically runs from mid-May to late June. It’s recommended to use wild shrimp from lakes, as they are generally hardier. Ponds used for individual shrimp should be large, disease-free, and free from injuries. Healthy, well-fed shrimp are essential for successful breeding. Stocking density should be around 4 to 6 kg per acre.
Water quality management is crucial during this period. Initially, the water level in the broodstock pond should be maintained at 50 to 60 cm. After the broodstock is introduced, a small amount of micro-water should be added daily for 3 to 5 days to stimulate spawning. Once the larvae hatch, after 7 to 10 days, apply 200 to 300 kg of fermented organic fertilizer per acre to cultivate plankton, which serves as natural feed for the young shrimps.
For feeding, broodstock should be given pellet feed made from highland barley, wheat bran, or green shrimp formula No. 2. The daily feeding amount should be 5% to 8% of the shrimp's body weight, divided into two meals—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Once the larvae hatch, feed them a mixture of soybean milk, fish meal, and EM bacteria bio-agent in a ratio of 10:3:3. As the shrimps grow and start swimming freely, they can also be fed barley and bran.
By early July, when the shrimps reach a size of 1.2 to 1.5 cm, they are ready for harvesting. If there are any wild fish present in the pond, they can be removed by applying 150 grams of Qingtang Ling per acre in 1 meter of water on sunny days. After 5 to 7 days, the nets can be pulled to collect the shrimp seedlings. On average, about 500,000 seedlings can be produced per acre, which is sufficient to support the needs of 6 to 7 mu of shrimp farming. This careful preparation ensures a healthy and productive aquaculture cycle.
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