Commercial Importance and Adaptability of the Giant Freshwater Prawn

Macrobrachium rosenbergii, commonly referred to as the giant freshwater prawn, holds immense commercial significance due to its adaptability, large size, and high market value. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, it thrives in tropical and subtropical regions stretching from India to Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. While it is native to these areas, its cultivation has spread globally, particularly in regions with aquaculture industries, making it a staple in both local and international markets.

One of the reasons for its commercial appeal is its size. Males can reach an impressive length of up to 32 cm (12.6 inches), while females typically grow to around 25 cm (9.8 inches). Their coloration is primarily brownish, though younger or smaller individuals may appear greenish with faint vertical stripes, making them visually distinct. The prawn's rostrum, a spiked projection from its head, is an essential feature, with 11 to 14 dorsal teeth and 8 to 11 ventral teeth, which serve as both a protective mechanism and a distinguishing characteristic.

The species is also sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females exhibit distinct physical differences. Males have significantly larger second pereiopods, or walking legs, compared to females. These legs are covered in dense bristles, creating a velvety texture, which adds to the prawn's unique appearance. This characteristic, along with their ability to thrive in varying environments, adds to their appeal for aquaculture. Notably, their larvae require brackish water for development, while juveniles and adults can live in freshwater, enhancing their farming versatility.

In addition to being adaptable and visually striking, M. rosenbergii provides numerous nutritional benefits. Rich in protein, essential amino acids, and healthy fats, it supports human nutrition while bolstering aquaculture's role in global food security and economic development. These qualities make the species a valuable resource in addressing the growing demand for sustainable seafood.
Commercial Importance and Adaptability of the Giant Freshwater Prawn

Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Macrobrachium rosenbergii is the largest species of the genus the male can reach a total length (from tip of rostrum to tip of telson) of 320 mm, the females of 250 mm. It is the largest natantian prawn in the world and belongs to the family Palaemonidae.

The body is usually of a greenish to brownish grey, sometimes more bluish color and is darker in larger specimens.

Macrobrachium rosenbergii are found most inland freshwater areas including lakes, rivers, swamps, irrigation ditches, canals and ponds, swell as in estuarine areas.  It is indigenous to south and south-east Asia, northern Oceania, northern Australia and the islands of the western Pacific.

It is a traditional food source throughout this range and now supports a significant aquaculture industry over most of its natural distribution.

It has become the main freshwater prawn species for small-scale and large-scale farming because of its growth, large size, better meat quality, omnivorous feeding habit and established domestic and export markets in Asia.

Macrobrachium rosenbergii live in tropical freshwater environments that are influenced by adjacent brackish areas, due to the fact that its larval development must take place in brackishwater.

Some species of Macrobrachium prefer clearwater rivers while others, including M.
Rosenbergii are often found in extremely turbid conditions.
Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Freshwater prawn

The freshwater prawns that have been used so far in aquaculture and aquaculture experiments all belong to the genus Macrobrachium.

This prawn spends its adult life in fresh or brackish waters. Larval development however requires brackish water of 8 to 22 ppt salinity.

Species of the freshwater prawn genus Macrobrachium are distributed throughout the tropical the tropical and subtropical zones of the world.

They are found in most inland freshwater areas including lakes, rivers, swamps, irrigation ditches, canals and ponds, as well as in estuarine.

Freshwater prawns farming are popular now. Breeders of Macrobrachium are developed and maintained in earthen ponds. The freshwater prawn is expected to attain sexual maturity in four of five months.

Large berried breeder prawns are collected and stocked in well-aerated concrete tanks and large un-berried females are separated in another tank.
Freshwater prawn