Shrimp

Raising Shrimp in Aquaponics or Small Aquaculture Systems

Raising shrimp in an aquaponics system or a small aquaculture setup can be a rewarding and sustainable way to produce fresh seafood. This article will cover the basics of raising shrimp, including their hardiness, feeding requirements, breeding in captivity, and food preservation recipes.

Shrimp Species

Some popular shrimp species for aquaponics or small-scale aquaculture include:

• Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
• Giant Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)
• Red Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

Hardiness

Shrimp are generally hardy creatures, but they require specific water conditions to thrive. Most species prefer:

Temperature: 68-86°F (20-30°C) pH: 6.5-8.0 Salinity: 0-15 ppt (depending on the species) Ammonia and Nitrite: 0 ppm Nitrate: <40 ppm

Feeding

Shrimp are omnivorous and require a balanced diet of both plant and animal matter. Commercial shrimp feeds are available, but you can also supplement with:

• Algae wafers
• Blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini, carrots)
• Frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia)

Breeding in Captivity

Many shrimp species can be bred in captivity, given the right conditions. To encourage breeding:

1. Ensure optimal water quality
2. Provide hiding spots (plants, rocks, wood)
3. Maintain a balanced male-to-female ratio
4. Increase food availability

Food Preservation Recipes

Once you've harvested your shrimp, try these food preservation recipes:

Frozen Shrimp

1. Clean and devein shrimp
2. Place in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible
3. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months

Pickled Shrimp

1. Boil shrimp in a pickling brine (water, vinegar, salt, sugar, spices)
2. Pack cooked shrimp into jars with pickling liquid
3. Refrigerate and consume within 1 month

Dried Shrimp

1. Boil shrimp for 1-2 minutes
2. Dry in a dehydrator or low-temperature oven until crisp
3. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 months