Journal of Environmental Biology

Effect of water salinity on growth performance and survival of Acetes vulgaris Hansen, 1919 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Sergestidae)

A. Phudhom¹, W. Senanan², K. Hrimpeng³ and N. Tangkrock-olan²*     

¹Graduate Program in Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chonburi-20131, Thailand

²Department of Aquatic Science, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chonburi-20131, Thailand

³Department of Microbiology Science, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chonburi-20131, Thailand

Received: 27 August 2024                   Revised: 30 November 2024                   Accepted: 21 March 2025

*Corresponding Author Email : nongnud@buu.ac.th                  *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-30946577

Abstract

Aim: The sergestid shrimp Acetes vulgaris has been a significant fishery species in the estuaries and coastal waters of the Pang-Rad River in Rayong Province, Thailand. In nature, this species can tolerate and thrive across a broad range of salinity levels. The aim of this study was to compare the growth and survival of A. vulgaris under various salinity levels to identify the optimal salinity for its cultivation.

Methodology: Four salinity levels: 15, 20, 25 and 30 PSU were investigated in this study. Following one-week acclimi, the shrimp were randomly distributed into one of the twelve 100 m³ fiberglass tanks, each containing 70 m³ water. The shrimp were fed newly hatched Artemia nauplii thrice a day at 8:00 am, 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Twenty individuals shrimp were randomly collected to determine the growth performance immediately before being allocated to the experiment tanks and every two weeks during the experimental period. The experiment lasted for 70 days.

Results: After 70 days of culture, the mean weight of the shrimp increased from 14.17±4.10 to 55.59±15.92, 61.00±20.18, 49.56±17.80 and 58.02±23.47 mg at 15, 20, 25 and 30 PSU salinity levels. The mean length of the shrimp increased from 17.98±1.58 to 27.39±2.50, 28.05±3.50, 25.79±3.50 and 27.25±4.35 mm at 15, 20, 25 and 30 PSU salinity levels. These results suggest that the growth rates of shrimp reared at four tested salinity levels were not significantly different (p>0.05). The highest survival rate (77.78%) was noticed at 15 PSU salinity, while the lowest (63.33%) at 25 PSU, however, this difference was in significant (p>0.05). The results showed that A. vulgaris can tolerate a wide range of salinity levels and adapt well to salinity changes.

Interpretation: The findings of this study indicated that growth and survival of A. vulgaris were not compromised at 15 to 30 PSU salinity range. This in sights into the culture of Acetes shrimp at different salinities are reported for first time. This study forms a baseline for the further advancement in the aquaculture and conservation of Acetes shrimps.

Key words: Acetes vulgaris, Growth performance, Sergestid shrimp, Salinity

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