Production yield of the white-leg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) culture in brackish water of Yazd province

Abstract

This survey is one of the researches of Investigation on feasibility of introduction of Litopenaeus vannamei in shrimp culture industry of Iran project. The aim of this survey was study about probability of adaptation of the white-leg shrimp, L. vannamei with brackish groundwater for culture at central Iran. 120/000 postlarvae (PL7&15) were stocked in four 0.15ha earthponds (17 & 23 N/m 2 ), in July 2005. Culture continued for about four months. Physicochemical and biological factors were studied. Shrimps were fed with L. vannamei commercial food. Results showed low survival (19.2%) and growth (2-2.5gr mean body weight while capture). Limnological factors may be the most important agent for unfavorable culture efficiency at based on the results of measurements. Concentration of K + (40mg/l), Ca+2 (370- 472mg/l), Mg+2 (340-407mg/l), Na+ (3450mg/l), and their proportions; Fe+2&+3 (0.18-1.17mg/l), Zn+2 (0.072mg/l), nitrogenous compounds especially NH3 (3.22mg/l), water hardness (2350-2870mg/l), different heavy metals; season of stocking and daily thermal periods (2.5-12°C with 8°C mode) are probably the most essential factors effecting production yield of L. vannamei, mainly because of underground origin of the water. Also, the structure of ponds and drainages, presence of invasive water plants and insects may affect survival and growth, as well.