Studies on the Analysis of Proximal Changes During Molting Process in the Penaeid Prawn, Penaeus monodon

3 Abstract: The molt cycle is of immense physiological importance in the crustaceans. The present study reveals the changes in the proximate chemical composition, fresh mass, water content, ash content, organic constituents, lipid and protein contents of penaeid prawn, Penaeus monodon during the molting process of this species. This study was initiated to investigate changes that may occur in mass and tissue composition during different molting stages. Molting stages was determined by microscopic examination. The results obtained in the present investigation through light on the significance of water, protein, inorganic and organic components and concluded that altered concentrations of these parameters were observed in different molting stages of the prawn Penaeus monodon.