Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)
Market Overview for Jumbo Shrimp (Over 84 Grams) in Global Aquaculture Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) is a globally significant aquaculture species valued for its rapid growth, adaptability, and high market demand. Jumbo shrimp exceeding 84 grams (U10-U15 size category) represent a premium, highvalue segment in the global seafood industry.
These shrimps are highly sought after due to their impressive size, superior texture, and versatility in gourmet cuisine. Demand for this product is particularly strong in markets with high disposable incomes and a preference for luxury seafood, such as the United States, European Union, Japan, the Middle East, and China.
Key Markets and Demand Trends
» United States: One of the largest consumers of jumbo shrimp, with demand driven by fine-dining restaurants, high-end supermarkets (e.g., Whole Foods), and seafood retailers. Jumbo shrimp are commonly used in shrimp cocktails, grilled dishes, and gourmet seafood platters.
» Europe: Southern European countries like Spain, Italy, and France favor jumbo shrimp for premium seafood dishes such as paella and shrimp Provençal. Sustainability certifications like ASC or BAP play a role in purchasing decisions.
» Japan: A seafood-centric culture values large shrimp for sushi, sashimi, and tempura, with premium quality standards influencing imports from Vietnam and Thailand.
» Middle East: Dubai and Saudi Arabia have a growing demand for jumbo shrimp in luxury hotels and high-end dining, catering to an affluent and international consumer base.
» China: While a massive shrimp market overall, jumbo sizes are in demand among wealthy consumers in major cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou, where they are used in hot pot and banquets.
Price & Market Viability
Jumbo shrimp command significantly higher prices than standard sizes due to limited supply and high consumer demand. Prices fluctuate based on market conditions, sourcing (wild vs. farmed), and regional factors:
» Japan: One of the highest-priced markets, with wholesale rates of USD 15.00–18.00 per pound and retail prices exceeding USD 25.00 per pound.
» Middle East & China: Prices range between USD 11.00–20.00 per pound, with luxury hotels and fine dining establishments paying premium rates for top-quality jumbo shrimp.
Market Potential for Jumbo Shrimp Production
The viability of producing jumbo shrimp depends on factors like feeding strategies, growth cycles, and environmental conditions. Given rising demand and premium pricing, targeted production of jumbo shrimp could offer significant profitability for aquaculture producers. However, production challenges, including longer growth periods and higher feed conversion ratios, must be managed effectively.
Jumbo shrimp are not just a highend seafood option—they are a statement of quality and prestige in global markets. As demand grows in fine dining, premium retail, and luxury hospitality, aquaculture producers who can optimize production for larger shrimp sizes will be well-positioned to capture lucrative opportunities in this elite market segment.
In semi-arid regions like Saudi Arabia, shrimp farming faces challenges such as limited freshwater resources and extreme environmental conditions. However, semi-extensive culture systems using high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-lined ponds offer a sustainable solution to optimize water use and enhance production efficiency.
This study evaluates the feasibility of producing jumbo-sized L. vannamei in such systems over a 330day period at the University Fish Farm in Obhur, Jeddah. By assessing growth performance, survival rates, feed conversion efficiency, water quality, and shrimp quality, the research aims to develop a cultivation strategy tailored to arid environments, contributing to economic development and food security in water-scarce regions.
Materials and Methods
The study was conducted in three HDPE-lined ponds (300 m² each) over 330 days (47 weeks) at the University Fish Farm in Obhur, Jeddah (Figure 1). Ponds were cleaned and sun-dried for one week before water culture. To promote algal bloom (40–50 cm Secchi disc transparency), seawater (30% salinity) was introduced, and ponds were fertilized with urea (400 g), molasses (1.5 L), and diammonium phosphate (200 g) on days 1, 4, and 8, with water levels increased to 60% and 100% before the second and third doses, respectively.
Two 1-hp aspirator aerators (Force-7, Acquaeco, Italy) were installed in each pond at a 40 cm depth and 35° downward angle. To enhance heterotrophic bacterial growth, soya hull and molasses (2 kg) were applied as carbon sources every three days. On day 12, healthy, uniform-sized juveniles (mean weight: 1.21 ± 0.2 g; mean length: 3.7 ± 1.8 cm), produced at the farm hatchery, were stocked at a density of 25 individuals/m² (hapa survival > 95%). Shrimp were fed a standard fishmeal-based pellet feed (35% protein, NAQUA, Jeddah) three times daily at 7:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m., following a standard feed table.
Water quality parameters, including transparency, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and salinity, were recorded daily, while ammonia (unionized), nitrate, nitrite, orthophosphate, and alkalinity (as CaCO₃) were measured weekly. Shrimp growth was assessed biweekly by sampling 200 individuals per pond, with feed quantities adjusted after each sampling. At harvest, survival, biomass, and shell quality (hard, loose, and soft-shell percentages) were recorded for both treatment and control ponds.
Results
The average body weight (ABW) of L. vannamei exhibited a sigmoidal growth pattern over the 330-day culture period, with significant differences (p < 0.01) between sampling days (Figure 2).
Growth was rapid in the first quarter (0–120 days), with an average body weight (ABW) approximately 40 g, reflecting optimal conditions and efficient feed utilization. Between days 120 and 210, growth slowed, with ABW reaching 60–70 g, possibly due to changes in water quality or feed conversion efficiency. From day 210 onward, growth stabilized, with ABW plateauing at 80–85 g, aligning with the final harvest weight of 84.6 ± 4.3 g (Figure 3).
The average weekly growth (AWG) rate was 1.9 ± 0.7 g, and the net weight gain was 83.4 ± 3.9 g. The maximum recorded length and weight was 22.1cm and 88.0 g respectively, confirming the success of achieving jumbo-sized shrimp (Figures 4 and 5).
The survival rate was 83 ± 12%, and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was 2.3 ± 0.71, indicating efficient feed utilization. Total biomass per pond averaged 529 ± 22.1 kg, equivalent to 17,639.5 kg/ha, demonstrating high productivity for a semi-extensive system in an arid region (Table 1). Water quality remained within acceptable ranges for shrimp culture. Transparency averaged 47.17 ± 8.1 cm, temperature 27.30 ± 4.76°C, dissolved oxygen 5.82 ± 0.47 mg/L, pH 8.81 ± 1.14, and salinity 41.20 ± 1.52 g/L. Alkalinity was 143.00 ± 8.0 mg/L, nitrate 1.68 ± 0.70 mg/L, nitrite 0.03 ± 0.01 mg/L, orthophosphate 1.41 ± 0.12 mg/L, and unionized ammonia 0.14 ± 0.08 mg/L (Table 2).
These stable conditions supported the observed growth performance. Post-harvest analysis revealed an average sludge accumulation of 98 ± 12 kg at the center of culture ponds, likely due to higher organic input from feed and carbon sources. Shrimp quality tests showed that shrimp had better taste and color. The percentage of hard-shell shrimp was 89.1%, with loose shell at 5.5% and soft shell at 5.4% indicating superior shell quality of shrimp.
Discussion
This pioneering study demonstrates the feasibility of producing jumbosized L. vannamei in semi-arid Saudi Arabia using HDPE-lined ponds, potentially marking the first comprehensive effort to achieve such high biomass yields (17,639.5 kg/ha) under these conditions. The sigmoidal growth pattern, with rapid early growth and stabilization at 84.6 ± 4.3 g, aligns with typical shrimp growth dynamics under controlled conditions.
The high survival rate (83%) and reasonable FCR (2.3) reflect the efficacy of the feeding regime and water management practices, including aeration and carbon supplementation to support heterotrophic bacteria. Stable water quality parameters, despite the arid environment, underscore the suitability of HDPE-lined ponds for water conservation and shrimp culture.
The superior shrimp quality in treatment ponds highlights the benefits of the cultivation strategy, particularly for premium markets valuing jumbo-sized shrimp with excellent taste and shell integrity. However, the higher sludge accumulation in treatment ponds suggests a need for improved waste management to enhance sustainability.
Conclusion
This study represents a groundbreaking advancement in aquaculture, being among the first of its kind to successfully cultivate jumbo-sized L. vannamei in semi-arid regions of Saudi Arabia using a semi-extensive system with HDPE-lined ponds. The strategy yielded a biomass of 17,639.5 kg/ha, a survival rate of 83%, and an average final weight of 84.6 g, offering a sustainable model for shrimp farming in water-scarce areas.
These findings pave the way for economic growth and food security in arid regions. Future research should focus on optimizing sludge management and exploring cost-effective feed alternatives to further enhance scalability and sustainability, building on insights from recent studies advocating for minimal water exchange and integrated systems in shrimp aquaculture.
By Sambhu Chithambaran và Samy Al Deen
Read more:
- Ingredient digestibility evaluation with enzyme extracts of Pacific white shrimp zoea, mysis and post-larvae
- Effects of dietary taurine on maturation and health status of female Pacific white shrimp broodstock
- Evaluating the effect of protists in diets for Pacific white shrimp