Growth Rates of Penaeus Aztecus and P. Setiferus in Artificial Ponds Under Varying Conditions

ABSTRACT Brown shrimp (Penaeus aztecus) and white shrimp (P. setiferus) were grown in 0.1 ha artificial ponds at Grand Terre Island, Louisiana. Trawl samples of 50 shrimp from each pond were taken weekly and their average weights determined. Growth curves under various stocking rates, feeds, and times of stocking are presented for both species. Effects of excessive competitors, vegetation, temperature and stocking size are discussed. Generally, white shrimp grew better than brown shrimp. Unfed shrimp grew well until they reached the carrying capacity of the ponds, then stopped or declined slightly. During most of the studies the fed shrimp continued to grow until harvesting, oxygen depletion kills or low water temperatures. Best growth was obtained at stocking rates of 50,000 to 62,500 per ha and feeding rates of 5% to 10% of their body weight daily.