ISSN: 2375-446X
Ajay VS
The giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, commonly known as scampi, is one of the most important freshwater prawn species widely cultured in several tropical and sub-tropical countries around the world. It has several attractive attributes as a candidate species viz., fast growth rate, compatibility of grow under poly/mixed culture, hardy nature, high market price and demand in both domestic and export markets. Besides, it can also be cultured in low saline brackish water areas (salinity<10 ppt). It is an indigenous species of India and is naturally occurring in most of the river systems along both coasts of India. It can be cultured alone or with compatible fish species such as catla (catla catla) and Rohu (Labeo rohita). It is also a suitable species for incorporating in paddy cum fish culture (rice-prawn farming) system. Culture of Scampi can be carried out in earthen ponds, cement tanks and pens.