Whiteleg shrimp
A key species in global shrimp aquaculture and fisheries.
Whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei), also known as Pacific white shrimp, King prawn, or White shrimp, is a species of prawn native to the eastern Pacific Ocean, commonly caught or farmed for food.
- scientific_name
- Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei
- maximum_length
- 230 mm (9.1 in)
- native_range
- Eastern Pacific Ocean, from Sonora, Mexico to northern Peru
- optimal_temperature
- 22–35 °C
- optimal_salinity
- 15–25‰
- global_production_2018
- ~5 million metric tons
- market_value_2018
- USD 30 billion
Lore & Background
Van Name, the collector of the type specimen from a market in Panama City. Adults live in the ocean at depths up to 72 m, while juveniles inhabit estuaries. The rostrum has 7–10 dorsal teeth and 2–4 ventral teeth. The species is euryhaline, tolerating salinities from 0 to 40‰, and grows in water temperatures from 15 °C to 38 °C, restricted to areas above 20 °C year-round. Optimal pH is approximately 7.56, and dissolved oxygen should be above 2.8 mg/L.
Reader's Guide
Whiteleg shrimp became an important species for Mexican inshore fishermen and offshore trawlers during the 20th century. By the early 21st century, Asia adopted the species, replacing Penaeus monodon, and countries like China, Vietnam, and India became major producers. The species is susceptible to diseases such as white spot syndrome, Taura syndrome, and acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome (AHPND), which have caused significant economic losses. Management has shifted toward probiotics, water quality management, and immunostimulants. By 2016, it comprised 53% of global farmed crustacean production.
Did You Know?
- Whiteleg shrimp can grow in salinities ranging from 0 to 40‰, with optimal growth between 15 and 25‰.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Whiteleg shrimp?
The Whiteleg shrimp, classified as Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei, is a tropical prawn species also called Pacific white shrimp or King prawn. It is one of the most widely consumed crustaceans on the planet, commonly harvested from the wild or raised in farms.
Where is the Whiteleg shrimp originally from?
This species is native to the eastern Pacific Ocean, with its natural range stretching from Sonora in Mexico down to northern Peru. It thrives in warm tropical waters where temperatures sit between 22 and 35 degrees Celsius.
How large can a Whiteleg shrimp grow?
Under optimal conditions, an individual can reach a maximum length of about 230 millimeters, or roughly 9.1 inches. This makes it one of the larger commercially farmed prawn species.
What kind of water does the Whiteleg shrimp prefer?
As a euryhaline species, it tolerates a range of salinities but performs best in water between 15 and 25 parts per thousand. It is a strictly tropical animal that requires warm water, ideally between 22 and 35 degrees Celsius.
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