Observations on the growth of Penaeus semisulcatus in the nursery ponds

Abstract

Hatchery produced postlarvae (PL 40) of green tiger prawn Penaeus semisulcatus were stocked in three earthen ponds at a rate of 40,0001ha in one (400 sq.m) and 50,00O/ha, in two ponds (800 sq. m) in November 1993 and reared for 110 days. During February-March water level and salinity in the ponds were raised by pumping water (25% salinity) from adjacent lagoon. Pond water was fertilised with urea and Ammonium phosphate at a rate of 50 kgha and 100 kgha respectively, 15 days before stocking. Shrimps were fed with commercial pellet feed. The survival was 51.9%, 15.0% and 65.8% in pond I, I1 and 111 respectively. The length and weight increment was 68.42 mm and 7.95 g in pond I; 65.78 mm and 8.25 g in pond 11; and 53.14 mm and 4.85 g in pond 111. Difference in growth between sexes was statistically significant in all three ponds on day 110. Growth in pond III was poor as compared to other two ponds due to prevalence of low salinity (~12%) for a period of 48 days.