Growth Response of Penaeus setiferus to Four Commercial Feeds Under Controlled Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

Shrimp farmers have access to and have evaluated a diverse number of shrimp species; however, due to culture and market considerations three penaeid species (Penaeus monodon, P. orientalis and P. vunnamei) account for 80% of the world production (Weidner and Rosenbeny 1992). Although culture techniques for these species have been extensively studied and are relatively well established, they are not native to U.S. coastal waters and hence possess problems associated with the use of exotic species. Three native species P. aztecus. brown shrimp; P. duorarum, pink shrimp; and P. setiferus, white shrimp, support commercial fisheries along the Gulf states (Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council 1981). The commercial culture of these species would avoid the inherent problems associated with the culture of exotic species and allow shrimp farmers in the Caribbean basin to more effectively expand operations.