Shrimp farmers should understand how to overcome floating vannamei shrimp in ponds. Shrimp that rise to the surface or float in the pond might indicate a problem. This can be solved by applying dolomite, changing the water, ensuring that the paddle wheel is working, improving feed management, and reducing stocking density.
Vannamei shrimp that float in the pond surface are feared to have an impact on the survival rate (SR) since their behavior may indicate a disease. Before understanding how to overcome floating vannamei shrimp, it is important for you to understand the causes of the problem. Read further in the discussion below.
Causes of Floating Shrimp
Basically, shrimp will react to uncomfortable pond conditions, and one of the signs is floating on the surface. If identified, this is related to water quality. In addition, shrimp’s poor health may also be one of the factors.
The dissolved oxygen (DO) levels are too low
The majority of floating shrimp cases are caused by low dissolved oxygen levels. Low dissolved oxygen can be caused by various factors, including
- Heavy rain that causes temperature fluctuations
- High phytoplankton density, causing the DO levels to be low, specifically in the evening
- High organic waste levels
- Inactive or broken paddle wheels, causing dissolved oxygen to decrease drastically
- Phytoplankton density is too low or even suffer mass mortality, resulting in inadequate oxygen production
Sudden temperature changes
The temperature of the water and the farm environment can have an impact on their metabolism. When the temperature fluctuates or changes abruptly and frequently, shrimp become stressed. When shrimp are stressed they become more susceptible to disease, causing them to be unable to move actively and instead float on the surface of the water.
Shrimp are infected with disease
Floating shrimp may also suggest that they are infected with a disease, such as white spot disease. Shrimp infected with this disease will typically turn pale and weak before then swimming to the pond’s surface. Although only a few shrimp exhibit this symptom, you must be cautious because mass mortality might ensue within hours.
In addition to white spot disease, floating shrimp can signal the presence of white feces disease. This disease is identified by the presence of long white excrement or feces in the pond. White feces are the result of damaged shrimp digestion. The shrimp are then unable to swim actively in the pond and instead float on the surface of the water.
5 Ways to Overcome Floating Vannamei Shrimp
You already know the possible causes of floating vannamei shrimp. To overcome this, you can try the following five methods:
Apply dolomite lime
High carbon dioxide levels in the pond will deteriorate the health of the shrimp that are already floating. To overcome this, try using dolomite lime to bind carbon dioxide in the pond. Every 2 mg/l of dolomite lime will neutralize 1 mg/l of carbon dioxide.
Change the water
If possible, you can change the pond water. This is a cheaper and easier way to overcome floating vannamei shrimp in the pond. New, sterile water will ensure that the shrimp grow healthily.
Ensure that the paddle wheel is working properly
If you install a paddle wheel in the pond, make sure that it is working properly. The paddle wheel contributes significantly to the pond’s dissolved oxygen supply. If the paddle wheel is broken, repair it immediately to ensure it functions normally.
Improve feeding management
Shrimp that lack feed are more likely to be stressed. Their immune system will also weaken, making them more susceptible to diseases that cause them to float in the pond surface. Make sure to feed based on the shrimp's age and needs to meet their nutritions.
Reduce the stocking density of the pond
An overly high stocking density in a narrow pond without a paddle wheel makes it difficult for shrimp to obtain oxygen. In fact, shrimp can float due to a lack of oxygen levels.
If you see that the stocking density is overly high, you can reduce it through partial harvesting. Meanwhile, to prevent this, make sure to do careful calculations before stocking shrimp fry at the beginning of cultivation.
Conclusion
Floating vannamei shrimp is a fairly common cultivation problem. Its possible causes include
- Low dissolved oxygen levels
- Sudden temperature changes
- Shrimp are infected with disease
As the solution, there are five ways to overcome floating vannamei shrimp, including
- Applying dolomite lime
- Changing the water
- Ensuring the paddle wheel is working properly
- Improving feeding management
- Reducing the stocking density of the pond
To overcome this problem more effectively, keep track of every treatment, feeding, harvest, and monitor dissolved oxygen levels on a regular basis. You can record it in JALA App, the shrimp farm management application.
JALA App not only makes it easier to record cultivation treatments, activities, and conditions, but it also enables real-time monitoring. JALA App also includes parameter analysis in the form of visual charts to help farmers make more informed decisions.
Find more benefits of JALA App by signing up at app.jala.tech! Make sure to download the application from Google Play Store or App Store as well.
