vannamei

Vannamei, scientifically Penaeus vannamei (occasionally placed in the genus Litopenaeus in some classifications), is a species of penaeid shrimp. It is the most widely cultured shrimp species worldwide and a central component of global seafood production.

Native to the eastern Pacific, its range extends from Sonora in Mexico to northern Peru, including the Gulf of California. It has been introduced to many tropical and subtropical regions to support aquaculture and is now farmed in Asia, the Americas, and parts of Africa. The species is adaptable to a range of salinities and temperatures, contributing to its broad geographic distribution.

In appearance, vannamei shrimp typically reach lengths of up to about 23 cm in the wild, though farmed individuals are often smaller due to controlled growth conditions. The life cycle includes eggs that hatch into nauplius larvae, followed by zoea and mysis stages, then postlarvae before attaining market size. It is euryhaline and tolerates varying salinity levels and temperatures, which aids in pond and hatchery production.

Aquaculture and production: Penaeus vannamei accounts for a majority of global shrimp production. It is cultured mainly in coastal ponds and, increasingly, in semi-closed systems and recirculating aquaculture setups. Growth is supported by formulated feeds, with management emphasizing water quality, stocking density, and biosecurity to optimize yields.

Health and environmental considerations: Shrimp production faces disease pressures, including white spot syndrome virus and other pathogens. Management approaches include the use of pathogen-free stock, biosecurity measures, biofloc technology, and probiotics. Environmental concerns include wastewater impacts and the risk of interactions with wild populations, prompting certification and sustainable farming practices in some regions.