Macrobrachium rosenbergii AND THE AQUARIUM MARKET
Freshwater shrimp farmers in Virginia benefit from direct sales of an iced product to consumers at the harvest site on the day of harvest. These transactions result in a cash transfer to the farmer, and a decrease in regulatory issues due to no processing. Additional revenue can be generated due to an expanding interest in the aquarium trade for display uniqueness offered by the large shrimp. This demand has been shown by individual aquarists and business displays. Macrobrachium rosenbergii can be maintained in tanks or large aquaria at low density by farmers after harvest. Water quality is important and managed using standard filters, heaters and air pumps with dissolved oxygen concentrations >5 ppm, minimal ammonia levels and temperature kept approximately 20oC. Structure (netting, PVC pipe, plastic mesh) should be provided for shrimp to isolate. Some water exchange is necessary. Low temperature limits growth and molting, but allows feeding activity. Initial returns to farmers were >$8.00 per blue claw male.