Physical Features of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (Giant River Prawn)
- Body Shape: Elongated body with a smooth and cylindrical shape. It can grow up to 32 cm in length, with males generally larger than females.
- Rostrum: The prawn has a long, sharp rostrum (a forward extension of the carapace), which is slightly curved upwards. The rostrum has distinct teeth: around 11–14 on the dorsal side and 8–12 on the ventral side.
- Chelipeds (Claws): Males have large, elongated claws (second pair of legs), which can be vividly colored, often bluish in mature individuals. The claws are asymmetrical and are used in territorial fights and mating.
- Carapace: A hard, protective covering (exoskeleton) that encases the head and thorax, with a greenish-brown or olive-brown coloration.
- Abdomen: Long and muscular, segmented with a soft flexible exoskeleton compared to the carapace.
- Sexual Dimorphism: Males typically have larger bodies, longer claws, and a broader abdomen than females. Females have a shorter, rounder abdomen to carry eggs.
- Telson and Uropods: The tail fan consists of a telson and uropods, which are flattened appendages used for quick movement and stabilization in water.
Candidate Species of Crustaceans for Marine Aquaculture
- Penaeus monodon (Black Tiger Shrimp)
- Litopenaeus vannamei (Pacific White Shrimp)
- Scylla serrata (Mud Crab)
- Fenneropenaeus indicus (Indian White Shrimp)
- Penaeus japonicus (Kuruma Shrimp)
- Portunus pelagicus (Blue Swimmer Crab)
- Cherax quadricarinatus (Redclaw Crayfish)
- Homarus americanus (American Lobster)
These species are selected for their high commercial value, adaptability to aquaculture environments, and fast growth rates.