Shrimp cultivation is often considered a promising business, especially in Indonesia, a country with significant potential for cultivation due to its geographical location and climate. Among various types of shrimp, the ones commonly cultivated are freshwater shrimp.
Before starting a shrimp farming business, prospective farmers interested in exploring the shrimp cultivation industry need to get familiar with the various types of freshwater shrimp that are often cultivated in ponds in order to decide which type of shrimp to cultivate based on their characteristics.
Various Types of Freshwater Shrimp
There are several types of freshwater shrimp that are popularly cultivated in Indonesia, such as the giant freshwater prawn, monkey river prawn, and the red nose shrimp. Let's explore the characteristics of each shrimp type!
1. Giant Freshwater Prawn
Next is the giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), which is commonly found in rivers and coastal estuaries in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and China. With a large body size, reaching up to 30 cm, and sweet, juicy flesh, giant freshwater prawns have a slow growth rate, taking about 180 days to reach a high economic value.
Giant freshwater prawns come in various colors such as green, blue, brown, and yellow, with a curved long rostrum and longer claws compared to their legs.
2. Monkey River Prawn
The monkey river prawn (Macrobrachium lar) is commonly found in the West Indo-Pacific region. This type of shrimp thrives in both saltwater and freshwater habitats. Still, it is one of the most common types of freshwater shrimp cultivated in farms, where cultivation approximately takes 110 days.
Monkey river prawns have a considerably large body, with lengths reaching up to 18 cm. They can withstand high salinity in water, and exhibit good resistance to diseases, contributing to high productivity.
3. Red Nose Shrimp
Another type of cultivated shrimp with high economic value is the red nose shrimp (Caridina gracilirostris). They can be found in various regions such as Japan, Fiji, Indonesia, and Madagascar, particularly in rivers and estuaries.
These yellow-orange, slightly transparent shrimp are not only sold as food but also popular as aquarium decorations due to their attractive red rostrum. They also consume algae, which makes them beneficial for aquarium owners.
4. Freshwater Crayfish
Freshwater crayfish (Astacoidea) is another type of freshwater shrimp commonly cultivated in farms. This type of shrimp lives in swamps, lakes, and rivers of various continents. Due to its low stress level and disease susceptibility, as well as the ability to grow quickly, this type of freshwater shrimp can be cultivated easily in soil-based ponds.
Several kinds of popular freshwater crayfish for cultivation include the red claw crayfish, red swamp crayfish, which is smaller in size, and the common yabby, known for its high tolerance towards extreme weather conditions including drought.
5. Roshna Prawn
The final type of shrimp on the list is the roshna prawn (Palaemon styliferus). This type of shrimp is also commonly found in Indo-Pacific regions including Iraq, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong. These freshwater shrimp grow well in tropical areas.
Roshna prawns are pale yellow and slightly transparent with a cone-shaped head are popularly processed as ebi with a high market price which makes it attractive for farmers.
Conclusion
Various types of freshwater shrimp that are popular for cultivation include:
- Giant freshwater prawn
- Monkey river prawn
- Red nose shrimp
- Slipper lobster
- Roshna prawn
Before starting cultivation, make sure to understand the characteristics of each shrimp type to choose the most suitable one for your business goals. Additionally, provide appropriate treatment in your farm according to the type of shrimp, ensuring that they grow well and can be sold at a profitable price.
To ensure the success of your cultivation, JALA is #HeretoHelp you with JALA App, an application to record and monitor cultivation conditions regularly and conveniently. Register on JALA App through app.jala.tech or download the mobile version from Google Play Store or App Store to start your cultivation journey today!
