What are Black Tiger Shrimp? An In-Depth Look at This Popular Crustacean

Black tiger shrimp also known as giant tiger prawns are a fascinating species of crustacean that has become extremely popular in aquaculture and on dinner plates around the world. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at what exactly black tiger shrimp are, their characteristics, habitat, role in aquaculture, and more.

An Overview of Black Tiger Shrimp

Black tiger shrimp (scientific name Penaeus monodon) are a species of marine crustacean that belong to the family Penaeidae. They are native to the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the eastern coast of Africa and Arabian Peninsula to Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific islands Some key facts about black tiger shrimp

• They can reach up to 13 inches (33 cm) long and weigh up to 11 ounces (320 grams), making them the largest species of shrimp. Females are generally larger than males.

• They are identified by their large size as well as black tiger-like bands across their tails and bodies They may also have orange or red stripes

• They inhabit coastal marine waters, estuaries, and mangroves. Adults prefer muddy or sandy bottoms 30-120 feet deep.

• Their diet consists of algae, mollusks, worms, crustaceans and other bottom-dwelling organisms. They are omnivores and opportunistic feeders.

• Lifespan is around 3 years. They reproduce at night, with females producing up to 800,000 eggs in a single spawning.

• They are nocturnal and burrow into sediments during the day.

The Rise of Black Tiger Shrimp in Aquaculture

Black tiger shrimp have become one of the most commonly farmed shrimp species in the world, representing about 50% of global cultured shrimp production. Several key attributes make them so popular in aquaculture:

• Fast growth: With proper conditions, black tiger shrimp can reach harvest size within 4 months, making them one of the fastest-growing shrimp species.

• Hardiness: They are tolerant of a wide range of salinities and temperatures, making them suitable for farming in different environments.

• High demand: Their large size, texture, and taste make them highly desirable in the marketplace. The shrimp can be sold whole or processed into various products.

• High prices: Black tiger shrimp command premium prices, especially at larger sizes above 15 grams. Their high value helps offset the costs of production.

• Adaptable farming: They can be raised in ponds, tanks, or other farming systems in brackish and marine waters. Hatchery technology enables reliable production of shrimp postlarvae.

Major producers of farmed black tiger shrimp include Thailand, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh and China. Global production exceeded 770,000 metric tons in 2009 with a market value of $3.65 billion. However, viral diseases have impacted production and led to increased focus on disease management and breeding for disease resistance.

Black Tiger Shrimp Grow Big and Grow Fast

The exceptionally large maximum size and rapid growth rate are among the traits that make black tiger shrimp so suitable for aquaculture production.

• Under ideal farming conditions, black tiger shrimp can reach a harvest weight of 31-40 grams within 4 months. Selective breeding programs have produced strains that can reach this marketable size even faster.

• Their huge size potential is evidenced by the largest black tiger shrimp on record – a female measuring 39 cm (over 15 inches) long and weighing 600 g (1.3 lb)!

• Rapid growth is fueled by their hearty appetites. Black tiger shrimp are aggressive omnivores that will consume shrimp feed pellets, mussels, algae, worms and more.

• Good nutrition and proper farming density help enable the shrimp to achieve their full growth potential. Sparse stocking prevents stunting.

The combination of incredible growth rate and immense size makes black tiger shrimp a prize aquaculture species commanding premium prices in the marketplace. Their succulent meat delivers a sweet, lobster-like flavor profile.

Notable Characteristics of Black Tiger Shrimp

In addition to size and growth rate, black tiger shrimp have other biological characteristics that are important to understand:

• Burrowing nature – They spend daylight hours burrowed into sediments and emerge to feed at night. Farmers account for this behavior in pond design and management.

• Saline tolerance – Black tiger shrimp thrive at salinities of 15-25 ppt, but can tolerate an impressive range of 2-40 ppt. This euryhaline ability lets them adapt to different environments.

• Temperature range – They prefer temperatures of 28-30°C but tolerate 23-34°C, allowing farming in various climates. Growth slows outside their optimal temperature zone.

• Omnivorous feeding – Their flexible, opportunistic diets contribute to good growth. Farmers use shrimp feed pellets optimized for their nutritional needs.

• Nocturnal spawning – Sexual maturity occurs around 5 months of age. Females produce up to 800,000 eggs during nighttime mating and spawning.

These behavioral and physiological attributes allow black tiger shrimp to thrive in aquaculture systems and produce succulent shrimp at a rapid growth rate.

Black Tiger Shrimp as an Invasive Species

While black tiger shrimp aquaculture provides economic benefits, escaped shrimp also pose risks as an invasive species outside their native range. When released into non-native waters, black tiger shrimp may:

• Compete with native shrimp species for food and habitat
• Spread diseases to wild shrimp populations
• Disrupt coastal ecosystems and food chains

For example, black tiger shrimp have become invasive in parts of the Gulf of Mexico after escaping from aquaculture facilities. They were also introduced to waters off West Africa and South America. Ongoing research analyzes their impacts and spread as an invasive species.

Preventing escapes from aquaculture facilities is an important part of mitigating risks. Black tiger shrimp may also arrive in non-native waters through ballast water discharges from ships. Proper ballast water management can reduce accidental introductions.