Broodstock Selection and Breeding: Healthy broodstock selection is critical for high-quality offspring. These selected prawns are maintained in well-monitored, controlled environments. The broodstock are typically larger, sexually mature prawns that have been chosen for their genetic traits, ensuring strong, disease-resistant offspring. During breeding, the prawns mate, and the females carry fertilized eggs on their abdomen. The eggs then develop and eventually hatch into larvae. Importantly, these larvae need brackish water—a mix of salt and fresh water—to thrive. The controlled salinity of this environment ensures proper larval development.
Larval Rearing: After hatching, the larvae are transferred to specialized hatcheries that mimic the natural conditions necessary for their growth. Maintaining brackish water is essential to prevent larval mortality. Over the next 32 to 35 days, larvae are fed a nutrient-rich diet consisting of live brine shrimp and egg custard. These high-protein feeds help boost their growth and health. Hatcheries often use recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), which maintain water quality by constantly filtering and recycling water, reducing waste buildup.
Nursery Phase: As the larvae transition into post-larvae (PL), they are gradually acclimated to freshwater. This stage can take up to 30 days initially, followed by an extended secondary phase of around 60 days. In the nursery, they are housed in specially designed tanks, ponds, or net cages. Proper feeding and water management are key to reducing mortality rates and ensuring that the prawns reach juvenile stage.
Grow-Out Phase and Harvesting: The juveniles are then transferred to grow-out ponds, where they remain until they reach market size. These freshwater ponds are carefully monitored for water quality, and the prawns are fed commercial feeds designed to promote rapid growth. Once they reach the desired size, the prawns are harvested, either manually or with the help of mechanical tools.
Key Stages in Giant River Prawn Farming: From Breeding to Harvest
