Salinity Tolerance of Wild Penaeus monodon and Penaeus indicus Juveniles: Perspectives of Their Sustained Availability in Sundarban

Abstract

Sundarban estuaries are natural nurseries of Penaeus monodon and P. indicus shrimps that fetch high economic values. We studied salinity (0 to 40) tolerance (96 h exposure without acclimation) of their juveniles (PL-5, wild varieties) under ambient temperature. P. monodon and P. indicus juveniles showed limited ability of tolerating freshwater and high salinity. Overall juveniles survived better in salinity 5 to 20, however, P. monodon juveniles showed a better salinity tolerance than P. indicus juveniles. Increasing salinity of Sundarban estuaries may negatively affect sustained availability of P. monodon and P. indicus seeds in the wild.