Prawns

Raising Prawns in Aquaponics or Small Aquaculture Systems[edit]

Prawns, also known as freshwater shrimp, are a popular choice for aquaponics systems and small-scale aquaculture setups. They are highly valued for their delicate, sweet meat and can be a sustainable and profitable addition to these systems.

Species[edit]

Several species of prawns are commonly raised in captivity, including:

Giant Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)
Oriental River Prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense)
Indian White Prawn (Fenneropenaeus indicus)

Hardiness[edit]

Prawns are relatively hardy and can adapt to a range of water conditions. They prefer:

Temperature: 68-86°F (20-30°C) pH: 7.0-8.5 Hardness: 5-15 dGH Oxygen: >4 mg/L

Feeding[edit]

Prawns are omnivorous and require a balanced diet of both plant and animal-based foods. They will readily consume:

Aquatic Plants
Algae
Detritus
Insects
Small Fish
Prepared Feeds

Commercial prawn feeds are available, or you can make your own using a mixture of ingredients such as soybean meal, fishmeal, and vegetable matter.

Breeding[edit]

Breeding prawns in captivity can be challenging but is possible with the right conditions. The basic process involves:

Maintaining a healthy broodstock
Providing proper water conditions and a balanced diet
Encouraging mating through environmental manipulation (e.g., adjusting temperature or photoperiod)
Separating berried females to a nursery tank

Females carry the eggs under their tails for 2-3 weeks before the larvae hatch. The larvae will undergo several molts before reaching the post-larval stage and can be moved to grow-out tanks.

Harvesting and Cooking[edit]

Prawns can be harvested using nets or traps. Purge them in clean water for several hours before cooking. Some popular prawn recipes include:

Cooked prawns can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or frozen for later use.

Conclusion[edit]

Raising prawns in aquaponics or small aquaculture systems can be a rewarding and profitable venture. While they require specific water conditions and a balanced diet, their quick growth rate and high market value make them an attractive option for aquaculturists.