Litopenaeus

Litopenaeus is a genus of penaeid shrimp in the family Penaeidae. The group comprises several species that inhabit warm marine waters of the Americas and parts of the Indo-Pacific. In taxonomic revisions begun in the late 20th century, Litopenaeus was distinguished from Penaeus based on morphological and genetic data, and many commercially important species formerly placed in Penaeus are now classified under Litopenaeus. Among the best known are Litopenaeus vannamei, the Pacific white shrimp, and Litopenaeus stylirostris, the blue shrimp.

Biology and ecology follow a typical penaeid pattern. Litopenaeus species are coastal shrimp that commonly inhabit estuarine and nearshore habitats, including brackish waters. Development includes a planktonic larval stage (nauplius and zoea) before metamorphosis to postlarval and juvenile stages. Females carry eggs until they hatch, and individuals reach marketable size after several molts. Species vary in size, with some individuals reaching around 20 cm.

Distribution and economic importance are broad. Native ranges include the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific coasts, but Litopenaeus species have been widely introduced and cultured globally. Litopenaeus vannamei is the most important aquaculture shrimp worldwide due to fast growth and tolerance of variable salinity, while L. stylirostris is also cultured in some regions. The industry faces challenges from disease pressures, notably white spot syndrome virus, as well as environmental concerns and the risk of escapes impacting wild populations. Other species in the genus, such as L. aztecus, L. setiferus, and L. schmitti, are also valued in fisheries and aquaculture.