Observations on the behavior of the malaysian prawn, macrobrachium rosenbergii (de man), to artificial habitats†

Contribution No. 88 from the South Carolina Marine Resources Center. This work is a result of research sponsored by the Coastal Plains Regional Commission under contracts No. 10440040 and No. 10740047. Reference to trade names in this paper does not imply endorsement by the Coastal Plains Regional Commission or the State of South Carolina.

Abstract

Six studies examined the spatial and temporal behavior of juvenile Macrobrachium rosenbergii prawns to a variety of habitat configurations and materials. Of the configurations tested, a layered habitat design was preferred. A significant (P < 0.001) preference for edge or perimeter areas of solid layer habitat units was displayed by the prawns. However, modification of the layers to consist of alternating open and strip layers enhanced overall habitat utilization and caused a nearly homogenous distribution of prawns throughout the habitats. No temporal movements were observed on the habitats during daylight hours but the prawns generally exhibited a preference for darkened tank and habitat areas.

Carrying capacities of vertically and horizontally arranged strip‐layer habitat units ranged from about 220–260 prawns m^‐2 habitat surface area and 3, 580–3, 719 m^‐3 habitat volume. The potential application of artificial habitats in intensive prawn nursery systems is discussed.

Notes

Contribution No. 88 from the South Carolina Marine Resources Center. This work is a result of research sponsored by the Coastal Plains Regional Commission under contracts No. 10440040 and No. 10740047. Reference to trade names in this paper does not imply endorsement by the Coastal Plains Regional Commission or the State of South Carolina.