Question

Which is the predominant species cultured presently in the brackishwater aquaculture in India?

• A. Tiger shrimp
• B. Banana prawn
• C. Indian white shrimp
• D. Whiteleg shrimp

Hint:

Vannamei = High density + SPF stock = Dominant. If a question asks about current Indian shrimp exports, the answer is invariably Vannamei.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Brackishwater aquaculture in India is dominated by shrimp farming. The choice of species has shifted over decades due to disease outbreaks and global market demands.
Detailed Explanation:
1. Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon): This was the mainstay of Indian aquaculture until the late 1990s. However, persistent problems with White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) led to a decline in its culture.
2. Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei): Introduced to India in 2009 for commercial culture, it has now become the predominant species. Its dominance is due to:
- Availability of Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) broodstock.
- Higher stocking densities (up to 60-100/sqm) compared to Tiger shrimp.
- Faster growth and better feed conversion ratios (FCR).
- Lower protein requirement in feed.
3. Others: Penaeus indicus (Indian white shrimp) and Penaeus merguiensis (Banana prawn) are native species but are currently cultured on a much smaller scale or in traditional systems.
Today, L. vannamei accounts for over 90% of India's total shrimp exports.

Step 2: Final Answer:
The Whiteleg shrimp (L. vannamei) is the predominant species.