Reproductive Performance of Different Sized Wild and Pond-reared Penaeus paulensis Females

The present study analyzes the reproductive performance of three size classes of wild (average weight of 46.5, 55.0, and 63.2 g) and three size classes of pond-reared (18.4, 21.3, and 25.1 g) Penaeus paulensis females. Unilaterally eyestalk ablated females were placed for 70 d in 3.6 m diameter tanks at 6 individuals/m² and a 1.2:1 female-male ratio. Number of spawns, eggs, nauplii, fertilization and hatching rates were recorded every second day. The length of unfed protozoea I larvae was also recorded. Larger broodstock shrimp tended to suffer higher mortality rates. Smaller, pond-reared females started spawning at 28.2 ± 4.1 g. The number of eggs and nauplii per spawning event were not significantly different between experimental groups (P > 0.05), but due to their higher spawning frequency, small wild females (46.5 ± 3.7 g) outperformed medium (55.0 ± 1.8 g) and large ones (63.2 ± 7.0 g). No relationship between protozoea length and spawner size was found. Optimum size for the maturation of wild P. paulensis females was estimated to be from 30 to 60 g. It is suggested that the use of this size range can potentially enhance nauplii production of P. paulensis .     

Spawning Frequency Analysis of Wild and Pond-Reared Pacific White Shrimp Penaeus vannamei Broodstock under Large-Scale Hatchery Conditions

Second generation Penaeus vannamei broodstack, pond-reared and wild populations, were compared for spawning frequency and several variables associated with reproductive performance. For this purpose, 470 pond-reared and 237 wild-caught individually tagged females were stocked with males of the same origin in ten maturation tanks in a commercial hatchery, and several productivity variables were recorded over time. Results of the analysis indicate that wild shrimp had higher mating and spawning frequencies compared to pond-reared broodstock. The number of nauplii per spawn was higher for wild shrimp, but fertilization and hatching rates were higher for pond-reared spawners. A larger proportion of nonmating females were found in pond-reared shrimp; whereas, wild females had a higher potential for multiple matings. The spawn quality (fertilization and hatching rates, percentage of viable spawns, and number of nauplii) in consecutive matings did not decline substantially. The present study indicates that selection of females with multiple spawning capabilities can be an important commercial strategy to improve nauplii production over the short term. Pond-reared broodstock can be an adequate source for applying this strategy because of their year-round availability and an overall acceptable reproductive performance.     

Maturation and Spawning of the White Shrimp Penaeus schmitti Burkenroad, 1936, Under Large Scale Rearing Conditions

This paper describes the reproductive performance of Penueus schmitti kept under controlled conditions in a maturation facility of a commercial shrimp farm. A total of 369 females and 368 males of wild P. schmitti were used to form 9 broodstock groups. Unilateral ablation was performed on females only. Although females were not tagged, the total number of mated females ( N = 533) indicates that rematuration of the ovaries did occur. Only 9 mated females (1.69%) did not spawn and only 22 mated females (4.20%) of the remaining 524 cases did not produce viable spawns. These results indicate that a large number of viable spawns (94.18%) can be expected from P. schmitti . A minimum latency period of 6 days for the ovaries to attain full development was observed twice. The highest mating frequency occurred between the 46th and 60th days after unilateral ablation, but mating frequency remained above 2% until the 90th day. The average number of nauplii/female/spawn was 78,961 ( N = 524) and the average fertilization rate of the eggs was 73.12% ( N = 297). Usually when the pair of the spermatophores is dislodged from the thelycum of the mated female, a small sperm mass still remains between the third pair of walking legs. This condition did not show any negative effect on the fertilization rate of the eggs and nauplii production. Mating behavior displayed by P. schmitti is also described and includes three distinctive phases: a) chasing, b) mating and c) post-mating chase.     

Comparison of the Reproductive Performance of Similarly-Sized Wild and Captive Farfantepenaeus paulensis

The reproduction of wild-caught Farfantepenaeus paulensis in captivity has been successfully achieved since 1983. However, year-round supply of wild broodstock is costly and unpredictable. This study compares the reproductive performance of animals of similar size (females from 32–33 g and males from 19–21 g) but from different sources: estuary-caught juveniles reared indoors for 9 mo and wild-caught adults from shallow coastal waters. Groups of 20 males and 30 unilaterally eyestalk-ablated females were maintained for 60 d in four maturation tanks under controlled environmental conditions. A higher number of eggs per spawning event (78,414 ± 34,491) and total egg production (4,469,600) were observed for the wild females. Nevertheless, captive females produced a higher number of nauplii (1,788,259) due to their higher percentage of fertilized spawns. Therefore, within the size range of this study, the reproductive performance of estuary-caught F. paulensis juveniles over-wintered indoors was found to be equivalent to that of wild-caught females from shallow coastal waters.     

Variation in Reproductive Performance and Egg Quality Between Wild and Pond-Reared Indian White Shrimp,Fenneropenaeus indicus,Broodstock

ABSTRACT

The shrimp hatchery industry worldwide has placed immense interest on the production of closed-life cycle broodstock from farm stock. Unfortunately, majority of the studies have proven that pond-reared broodstock are inferior to their wild counterparts in terms of reproductive performance, spawn quality and post-hatching performance. In the present study, reproductive performance, egg, and nauplii quality of wild and pond-reared Indian white shrimp, Fenneropenaeus indicus, broodstock were analyzed. Biochemical analyses were done with egg and nauplii from both the sources, in an attempt to explain the difference in their performance. Results indicated better reproductive performance by wild females compared to pond-reared ones. The wild eggs contained higher total lipid, and vital HUFAs namely EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (Arachidonic acid). However, one of the dominant PUFA, 18:2 (n-6) was high in pond broodstock eggs. Biochemical analysis also indicated that glucose, carotenoids, and triacylglycerol content were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in wild eggs. But, egg protein and triacylglycerol content did not record significant difference between the egg samples. The percentage viable nauplii, nauplii length and triacylglycerol content were all significantly higher (P < 0.05) with wild nauplii. This study proves the better nutritional profile of wild eggs and nauplii in terms of analyzed biochemical components. But, as our knowledge on specific nutrient requirement for successful reproductive performance and offspring quality is limited, the better performance of wild eggs could not be attributed to any single nutrient. Meanwhile, it could be presumed that all the deficient nutrients collectively contributed to the poor reproductive performance and spawn quality.     

Effects of Broodstock Size and Source on Ovarian Maturation and Spawning of Penaeus monodon Fabricius from the Gulf of Thailand

The effects of broodstock source (pond-reared and wildcaught from shallow waters) and prawn size (large—weight >120 g, and small-weight < 110 g) on ovarian maturation and reproductive success of Penueus monodon were evaluated. Large females underwent stage IV ovarian maturation and spawned with greater success than did small prawns. Both pond-reared and wildcaught females of the same size exhibited comparable maturation and spawning success. Large females rematured and spawned more frequently than small ones. Total eggs produced by large prawns was significantly greater than for small prawns; nevertheless, prawn source and size had no significant influence on amount of eggs spawned per spawning event. Egg quality varied greatly in terms of percent fertilization, hatch rate, and metamorphosis to first protozwa stage.     

Sperm Quality of Pond-Reared and Wild-Caught Penaeus monodon in Thailand1

Sperm quality, as determined by visual examination and by reaction with “egg-water” was not significantly different (P > 0.05) for sperm obtained by electro-ejaculation from ablated or non-ablated pond-reared Penaeus monodon. Nor was sperm quality different between pond-reared and wild-caught prawns. Normal sperm, determined by appearance, ranged from 17.1 to 21.0%, while reactive sperm ranged from 1.5 to 3.0%. There were, however, significant correlations (P < 0.01) between spermatophore weight and prawn weight (r= 0.73, N= 434). Male prawns weighing 4150 g produced on average spermatophores weighing 22.7 mg and containing 0.8 million sperm, while prawns weighing 61-90 g produced on average spermatophores weighing 56.6 mg with 2.5 million sperm. Ablation did not increase spermatophore size or sperm quality, although it significantly increased mortality of ablated males. Male prawns could be re-ejaculated at about weekly intervals with no change in sperm quality. Wild-caught female prawns artificially inseminated with spermatophores from electro-ejaculated males produced normal spawns with 51% average egg fertilization, and 41% nauplii hatch success. Nauplii hatch success following spawning increased from >60% for newly inseminated females to near zero after 30 days post-insemination, indicating spermatophore depletion and/or deteriorated sperm quality during spermatophore storage in the thelycum. The findings of the present study indicate that electro-ejaculation and artificial insemination are relatively simple and practical methods for improving captive reproduction performance of closed-thelycum prawns such as P. monodon, and that pond-reared and wild-caught males produced sperm of similar quality.     

Maturation and spawning of Penaeus indicus using different ablation methods

Wild immature Penaeus indicus females (11.5 ± 3.1 g body weight) were ablated by pinching, cautery or tying of one eyestalk, and stocked with control (unablated) females and males (9.2 ± 1.5 g) in a 12-m³ maturation tank. Full ovarian maturation and spawning were attained 4 days after ablation/stocking in all treatments, with a peak at 5–6 days. Seventy-five percent of ablated and unablated females spawned during the study period. Average egg numbers from complete spawns increased with size of females for all treatments. There was no significant difference in fecundity of complete spawns from the various treatments. However, hatch rates of unablated P. indicus were significantly higher than eyestalk-pinched females but not those ablated by cautery and tying. Similarly, survival after the 15-day period was lowest among pinched females.     

Reproductive performance and mature gonad morphology of triploid and diploid Black Tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) siblings

Sibling harvest age Black Tiger shrimp triploids and diploids of both sexes were reared to reproductive maturity, crossed with wild caught females and males, conditioned for spawning and a comprehensive reproductive performance trial was undertaken. Ovarian development, spawning frequency, fecundity, hatch rate, gonad morphology, male reproductive tracts and thelycum impregnation rates of the wild female × triploid male cross were assessed. After ablation, ovarian development and cycling between wild G₀ diploid and G₁ diploids was not significantly different, whereas G₁ triploids failed to show any signs of ovarian development and cycling, thus resulting in no G₁ triploid female spawnings. There were 10 G₀ diploid female × G₀ diploid male first‐spawnings and 9 G₀ diploid female × G₁ diploid male first‐spawnings, all of which produced viable nauplii. In comparison, there were 7 G₀ diploid female × G₁ triploid male first‐spawnings, none of which produced viable nauplii. The 26 wild G₀ diploid female spawnings had more eggs than the 1 G₁ diploid female spawning. Gonad morphology and male reproductive tract assessments showed impaired reproductive development in triploid gonadal tissues of both sexes (compared with sibling diploids and wild shrimp) to a point where complete maturation had not occurred. The thelycum of 16 wild G₀ diploid females crossed with G₁ triploid males had no visible spermatophore present, suggesting that G₁ triploid males are incapable of developing viable spermatophores and mating with females. This study demonstrates that the triploid females and males are incapable of producing viable gametes and are thus reproductively sterile.     

Performance of Farfantepenaeus paulensis (Pérez-Farfante, 1967) broodstock in tanks with sand and hard substrate

This study evaluated the reproductive performance, physical condition and tissue biochemical composition of wild‐caught Farfantepenaeus paulensis kept for 50 days in maturation tanks provided with sand or hard substrate. The use of sand in F. paulensis maturation tanks had limited impact on the performance and biochemical composition of broodstock. Females in the hard‐bottom tank produced more spawns and more eggs in total, but those kept in the presence of the sand substrate produced a larger number of nauplii because an improvement in mating success was observed. An increased survival of females was also related to the presence of the sand substrate, which agrees with improvements in water quality and the physical condition of females. On the other hand, sourcing mature females was more difficult and time consuming in sand‐bottom tanks. The decision on whether or not to use sand substrates in F. paulensis maturation tanks must take into account not only productivity and animal welfare but also considers ease of operation and costs. These findings may have implications for the design of maturation systems for closed thelycum species.     

Enhancement of reproductive performance in shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) by supplementation of Ulva clathrata meal in maturation diet in two commercial hatcheries

The effect of supplementing dehydrated seaweed Ulva clathrata (20 g/kg) in the squid fraction of a formulated fresh diet on the reproductive performance of Litopenaeus vannamei broodstock was evaluated in two commercial hatcheries (A and B). The origin of broodstock, use of ablation on females, tank/culture conditions (for maturation, spawning, and larval rearing) were different between hatcheries. Daily mortality was higher (p < .01) for females in the control group compared to Ulva‐fed group of hatchery A, where females were ablated. No differences in mortality were found for unablated females in hatchery B, or with males from either hatchery. In hatchery A, broodstock fed Ulva produced more eggs (an increase in +5% compared to control, p < .05) and nauplii per female (+18%, p < .01). In hatchery B, broodstock fed Ulva produced significantly more eggs (+26%, p < .05) and nauplii per day (+33%, p < .05). In hatcheries A and B, eggs from broodstock fed Ulva had increased hatching rates (+13 and +7%, respectively, p < .001 in both cases). The number of spawns per day had a tendency to be higher in broodstock fed Ulva in both hatcheries, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (+14% for hatchery A and +20% for hatchery B). Dehydrated U. clathrata appears therefore as a functional additive in L. vannamei maturation diets that enhances the reproductive performance at commercial scale, regardless of the management conditions.     

池塘养殖斑节对虾生长、发育与性成熟

为了解不同养殖条件下斑节对虾的生长、外生殖器发育、性腺发育及性成熟之间的关系,对其养殖进行跟踪调查研究.结果显示:①斑节对虾雌雄外生殖器官发育和头胸甲长呈线性关系;②不同养殖环境条件下,斑节对虾性成熟生物学最小型个体无显著差异.雄性精荚出现的生物学最小型个体为头胸甲长3.1 cm,体长11.1 cm,体质量20.0 g;雄性性成熟个体的头胸甲长3.7 cm,体长13.0 cm,体质量37.0 g.池养雌性斑节对虾的性成熟生物学最小型个体以纳精囊的发育完全(可与雄虾交配)为标志,其最小性成熟个体的头胸甲长4.3 cm、体长15.1 cm、体质量53.0 g,雌性性成熟个体为头胸甲长5.0 cm,体长17.0 cm,体质量75.0 g以上;③池塘养殖斑节对虾性成熟与日龄和养殖环境相关.鱼塭雄虾精荚出现的最早时间为日龄120 d前后,其性成熟日龄约为160 d;池塘养殖雄虾精荚出现的最早时间为日龄150 d前后,其性成熟日龄约为260 d.鱼媪雌虾最早交配发生在日龄165 d前后,性成熟日龄205～236 d,池养雌虾最早交配发生在日龄240～ 280 d,性成熟日龄295～360 d以上.     

Nauplii Production from Wild,Cultivated, and Mixed Populations of Blue Shrimp,Penaeus stylirostris

ABSTRACT

Due to the low nauplii production of cultivated broodstock, and to reduce the dependence on the wild stock, an experiment was carried out with 400 adult blue shrimp, Penaeus stylirostris, from wild and cultivated (F6) populations. Four treatments, each in duplicate, were applied: (1) wild females and males (W-W); (2) wild females and cultivated males (W-C); (3) cultivated females and wild males (C-W); and (4) cultivated females and males (C-C). More than 300 individual spawns were monitored to evaluate the egg and nauplii production per female. Mixed model ANOVA for factorial arrangements (4 × 3 × 2³ and 3 × 2³) were conducted. The factors considered besides the treatments were: rematuration (number of successive spawnings for a female), ovarian maturity, integrity of the spermatophore attached (complete spermatophore, “wings,” or “remnant”) and condition of spawning (partial or complete). The introduction of both wild females and males was a successful measure to improve the overall egg and nauplii production. Both mixed populations outperformed the cultivated broodstock, but were inferior to the wild stock (average production of eggs and nauplii: W-W-l 12,713 and 34,682, respectively; W-C-l 13,215 and 22,038, respectively; C-W-82,702 and 11,715, respectively; C-C-66,948 and 7,653, respectively). Populations with wild females produce a larger number of eggs, and wild males contribute to higher hatching rates. Other observations indicate the need to select for spawning only those females showing an advanced degree of ovarian maturity, having a complete spermatophore attached to the thelycum, and spawning completely.     

Growth, Survival and Reproductive Performance of Domesticated Australian Stocks of the Giant Tiger Prawn, Penaeus monodon, Reared in Tanks and Raceways

The growth, survival and reproductive performance of domesticated Australian stocks of the giant tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon were evaluated in trials conducted in 1997 and 2003. The 1997 trials assessed the performance of first generation progeny of wild broodstock from the northeast coast of Australia and fourth generation progeny of pond‐reared broodstock, which also originated from northeast coast wild stocks. In these trials, growth and survival of the shrimp were assessed when reared for 17 mo in tanks. Reproductive performance of the shrimp was assessed at 14.5 mo and 17 mo. The 2003 trials assessed the performance of first generation progeny of wild broodstock from the Gulf of Carpentaria (north coast of Australia). In these trials, growth and survival of shrimp were assessed when reared for 14 mo in tanks and raceways. Reproductive performance of the shrimp was assessed at 11 mo, 12 mo, and 15 mo. Growth and reproductive performance of the stocks varied between trials, families, ages and rearing systems. The most pronounced differences in growth and reproductive performance were between the 1997 and 2003 trials. At 11 mo of age, the average wet weight of the shrimp in the 2003 trials (females 117.1 ± 5.8 g; males 87.9 ± 7.6 g) was 200% greater than the average wet weight of shrimp in the 1997 trials (females 55.2 ± 6.8 g; males 41.2 ± 3.4 g). The reproductive performance of the shrimp was also higher in the 2003 trials in terms of the percentage of spawnings hatching (52.0% in 1997; 77.1% in 2003) and mean hatch rate (21.5% in 1997; 31.6% in 2003). Differences in the growth and reproductive performance of the tank‐reared stocks between years were indicative of significant improvements in the rearing environment, diet and husbandry techniques. Variation in the reproductive performance between families was consistent across rearing environments and at different ages and suggests the potential to improve reproductive performance through genetic selection. Notably, this study identified hatch rates of nauplii from the spawned eggs as a key area for future improvement of domesticated stocks reared in tanks and raceways. Future efforts to improve the growth and reproductive performance of domesticated P. monodon could benefit from integrating incremental improvements to husbandry with genetic selection.     

Histological examination of final oocyte maturation and atresia in wild and domesticated Penaeus monodon (Fabricius) broodstock

Oocyte maturation and gonadosomatic index (GSI) of eyestalk ablated Penaeus monodon females collected from the wild and from two first‐generation domesticated lines were assessed. Frequency and diameter of the different oocytes, and the intensity of oocyte atresia, were compared among groups through histological assessments of the sections of the middle ovarian lobe. Digitized images from ovary sections were used to record the frequency and diameter of different oocyte types. Spawning performance of the three groups were expressed in terms of the percentage of females that spawned at least once (productive females), time from eyestalk ablation to first spawning (latency period) and the number of spawnings per female stocked. Final ovarian maturation was attained in all groups, as indicated by the presence of mature oocytes with cortical rods (cortical oocytes), dark‐green ovarian colour and high GSI values (5.83–6.86%). However, domesticated groups presented significant larger immature oocyte types (previtellogenic and yolky oocytes) and smaller cortical oocytes compared with wild females, indicating a reduced vitellogenic activity during final oocyte maturation. Additionally, the frequency of atresia was comparatively higher for both domesticated groups, which could be related to their inferior spawning performance. The implications of these results on the reproductive potential and development of domesticated P. monodon are discussed.     

Effects of Food and Temperature on Survival and Development in the Peppermint Shrimp Lysmata wurdemanni

Abstract— The effects of four kinds of foods ( Artemia nauplii, rotifer, and microalgae Chaetoceros gracilis and Isochrysis galbana ) and four temperature regimes on survival and development of larval Lysmata wurdemanni , a marine ornamental shrimp, were determined. The larvae fed with Chaetoceros or Isochrysis only survived for a maximum of 17 d, before developing to zoea IV. The survivorship of the larvae fed with Artemia nauplii or rotifer from zoea II to post-larvae was 66.7% and 68.9%. respectively, without significant difference ( P > 0.05). But larvae fed with Artemia nauplii grew significantly ( P < 0.05) faster than those fed with rotifer. Larvae fed with Artemia nauplii reached postlarvae in 29–32 d, compared with 32–36 d in the rotifer treatment. Artemia nauplii are also suitable food for the postlarvae and juveniles of L. wurdemanni . The 30 postlarvae fed on Artemia nauplii all survived to reach sexual maturity in 50 to 70 d, growing from about 7 to 28 mm in total length. The effects of four temperature regimes on larval development of L. wurdemanni was also investigated. The duration (mean ± SD d) to the postlarvae at temperatures of 26 C (37.4 ± 5.4) and of 26–30 C daily (40.2 ± 5.8) was significantly ( P < 0.05) longer than that at 28.5 C (29.3 ± 4.8) and at 27–29 C daily (28.7 ± 3.5).     

Assessment of Ovarian Development and Its Relation to Mating in Wild and Pond-Reared Litopenaeus vannamei Shrimp in a Commercial Hatchery

The present study compares three scales for evaluation of ovary development stage in wild and pond-reared shrimp. An external visual scale was assessed according to color and size of ovaries observed through the exoskeleton in live shrimp by staff of a commercial hatchery. Shrimp were then sacrificed to obtain gonadosomatic index, and gonads were scaled according to their color and size upon dissection. Finally, a portion of ovaries was processed for histological analysis, from which oocyte diameters were obtained, and females were evaluated with another scale based on cytological organization of gonads and on frequency of oocyte sizes. The certainties of the external and internal scales were analyzed, based on differences in gonadosomatic index and oocyte diameter and by comparison with the more accurate scaling obtained by histological analysis. The external scale was, in general, less accurate than the internal scale. Maturation stage in pond-reared shrimp was underestimated or overestimated more frequently than in wild shrimp. The implications for hatchery operation and possible reasons are discussed. Pond-reared shrimp were found to have a non-linear relation between gonad weight and body weight, but this relation was linear for the larger wild shrimp. This reduced the validity of gonadosomatic index in pond-reared shrimp, which were still growing. Thus, oocyte diameter, which was not affected by body weight in growing shrimp, represents a more accurate numeric measure of ovary development. Spermatophores were found attached to the thelycum in females only at the cortical stage of maturation, independent of origin. However, a significant proportion of fully mature, pond-reared shrimp did not have an attached spermatophore, possibly indicating lower mating success or poorer spermatophore adherence in these shrimp.     

Comparative costs of postlarval production from wild or domesticated Kuruma shrimp, Penaeus japonicus (Bate), broodstock

The present study compares the relative costs of stocking ponds with postlarvae from wild or domesticated Kuruma shrimp, Penaeus japonicus (Bate), broodstock. Wild broodstock were obtained from a commercial trawler. Domesticated broodstock were reared to harvest size (wet weight = 25 g) on a commercial farm and then transferred to controlled environment tanks where they were grown to a final wet weight of 50 g. The costs of stocking ponds with postlarvae were calculated from the observed reproductive output, the costs of purchasing wild broodstock and the costs of domesticated broodstock production in the controlled environment facility. Domesticated P. japonicus spawned comparable numbers of eggs to wild broodstock of similar size, but hatching success was significantly lower. A total of 12 domesticated P. japonicus broodstock would be needed to produce the postlarvae to stock a 1-ha pond, compared to only six wild broodstock. However, the much higher relative costs of wild broodstock means that the cost of using their postlarvae would be Aus$851 per pond compared to Aus$390 for domesticated broodstock. The present authors conclude that the use of domesticated P. japonicus broodstock could be a cost-effective alternative to wild broodstock in Australia and in other countries where P. japonicus is farmed.     

Reproductive Performance of Macrobrachium rosenbergii Females in Captivity

Abstract.— The breeding frequency, fecundity, egg hatchability, larval output and viability of pond-reared, mature Macrobrachium rosenbergii females were individually followed up during 180 d. Sexually mature prawns were maintained under controlled laboratory conditions (28.7 C and 12-h light/d) in a 190-L freshwater recirculation system and fed a formulated diet. Ovarian development, moulting and spawning events were checked daily. At least six consecutive moults were recorded for each of the 18 females. The duration of the intermoult period averaged 27.5 d and was not affected by ovarian development or spawning, but intermoult periods followed by spawning had significantly lower growth rates. From a total of 126 moulting events recorded, egg laying successfully followed 76 (60.3%) of them. The number of eggs per spawn (NES) varied from 26,587 to 74,775 for females weighing 20.0 to 55.8 g. The relationship between NES and female size (W; in g) was found to be NES = 484 + 1454W ( r ²= 0.74). Results suggest that the number of viable larvae produced per egg clutch may be increased by in vitro incubation, as the losses of eggs, which usually occur under in vivo incubation, are prevented. The present study illustrates that under adequate and stable rearing conditions, M. rosenbergii females are able to spawn up to five times during 180 d, in comparison to three to five times per year as reported for wild prawn populations.     

Influence of artificial insemination on the reproductive performance of Farfantepenaeus paulensis in conventional and unisex maturation systems

The application of artificial insemination techniques as a way to overcome the lack of mating of the closed thelycum Farfantepenaeus paulensis under large scale conditions is reported. The performance of artificially inseminated females (49.4±11.6 g) maintained in conventional versus unisex maturation systems was compared. Groups of unilaterally eyestalk-ablated females were artificially inseminated with one compound spermatophore soon after molting. The percentage of fertilized spawns increased from 26% before the use of artificial insemination to 57% afterwards. The reproductive performance of inseminated females held in conventional or unisex maturation systems showed no significant differences. Artificial insemination was considered a practical approach to overcome the lack of mating of F. paulensis under large-scale conditions with acceptable reproductive performance. The results also indicate the possibility of holding females separately from males, which could mean significant improvements in maturation systems through the increase in the stocking density of spawning females.