Experimental commercial growout of Penaeus semisulcatus (Decapoda: Penaeidae)

Abstract

Sea bass and sea bream have become almost synonymous with marine aquaculture in Turkey, indicating the level of commercial success they have attained during the last two decades. However, to diversify an industry overly dependent on these two products, as well as to provide the market with an additional commodity, other species are being considered for future culture. In the present study, commercial culture of Penaeus semisulcatus on the Aegean coast of Turkey was evaluated. In 150 days, the shrimp grew from 0.03 g to 18.72 g, with a mean daily growth rate of 0.125 g. The food conversion rate and specific growth rate were 2.26 and 2.34, respectively. Production reached the equivalent of 2880 kg/ha with a survival of 77%. While production results and shrimp weights were considerable, to obtain larger shrimp of greater value, early maturation and spawning in a nursery system must be included in conjunction with the growout ponds.