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Category: Tips

04Mar

10 Characteristics of Fresh Shrimp And Tips Before Buying It!

It is important for you to know the characteristics of fresh shrimp before deciding to buy it. Shrimp is a delicious and healthy seafood for everyone worldwide to enjoy, but ensuring the freshness of the shrimp consumed is essential.

When buying shrimp, several things need to be considered to determine whether the shrimp are fresh. The shrimp’s color, texture, smell, and physical condition are the leading indicators that need attention.

By understanding the characteristics of fresh shrimp, you can make the right decision before buying it. This is to ensure you get the highest quality shrimp while ensuring it is healthy and safe.

So, what characteristics should you know of fresh shrimp before buying them? Read more in this article.

Also Read: Causes and Ways to Overcome Stress in Vannamei Shrimp

Characteristics of Fresh Shrimp

1. Bright Color

The first and most important characteristic of fresh shrimp is the bright color of the shrimp’s body. This is because the color of the shrimp is directly related to its freshness. Fresh shrimp usually have a clear pink or grayish color.

2. Hard Textured

The texture is hard and slightly chewy, another characteristic of fresh shrimp that you can use as a benchmark. The surface of fresh shrimp should be firm and not slimy. If the shrimp are slimy or mushy, they may not be fresh or have gone bad.

3. Mild Smell

The following characteristic of fresh shrimp is that it has a light fishy smell. If the prawns have a strong fishy odor, this is an indication that they are not fresh. So make sure the fishy smell of the shrimp you choose is manageable.

4. Clear Eyes

Fresh shrimp have clear, bright eyes without any cloudiness or discoloration. The eyes of the prawns are a good indicator of freshness as they tend to get cloudy if the prawns sit too long after harvesting. If the shrimp’s eyes are gray or damaged, this could indicate that the shrimp is no longer fresh.

5. Intact Shell

The next characteristic of fresh shrimp is that they have intact shells and show no signs of cracks or damage. Freshly caught prawns have a shiny, smooth shells. If the shrimp’s shell is cracked or damaged, the shrimp is not fresh.

6. Tight Tail

Shrimp tails are tight and tightly curled, indicating freshness. If you get prawns with loose tails, they may not be fresh anymore. Therefore, please pay attention to the shrimp tail before buying it.

7. No Black Spots

Fresh shrimp should not have any black spots on the body. These black spots indicate decay. If you find shrimp in the market or supermarket with black spots on the body, the shrimp is not fresh and has been exposed to bacteria.

8. Not Yellowing

Fresh shrimp tend to be transparent gray. If you find shrimp with a yellow body, this indicates that the shrimp is not fresh and indicates spoilage.

9. No Ammonia Odor

Fresh shrimp should not smell ammonia. This ammonia smell indicates that the shrimp is no longer fresh and starting to go bad. So please pay attention to how the shrimp smell before buying them.

10. Stored in the Right Place

The last characteristic of fresh shrimp is that they are stored in the right place in the refrigerator at a temperature of 0°C to 4°C to maintain their freshness and quality. Keeping shrimp at the right temperature can prevent bacterial growth and preserve their texture and taste.

Also Read: This is the Difference between Male and Female Shrimp

Characteristics of Stale Shrimp

Aside from taste, stale shrimp can also have negative effects on the body when consumed. Here’s a more detailed explanation of the characteristics of stale shrimp!

1. Unpleasant Odor

The first characteristic of stale shrimp is the presence of an unpleasant odour. This odour is usually caused by bacterial growth or tissue damage in the shrimp’s body.

2. Change in Shrimp Color

Fresh shrimp have bright and transparent colours. If the shrimp’s colour starts to become cloudy, yellowish, or even greyish, this could be a sign that the shrimp is no longer fresh.

3. Soft Texture of Shrimp

When shrimp is no longer fresh, its texture will also change. Stale shrimp typically feel soft, and mushy, and have a slippery surface. This is caused by cell damage or physical changes due to shrimp spoilage.

4. Slimy Shrimp Skin

Slimy shrimp skin can indicate that the shrimp is no longer fresh. This slime is formed due to bacterial or fungal growth on the surface of the shrimp’s skin, which has started to deteriorate.

5. Appearance of Black Spots

The appearance of black spots on the shrimp’s skin is another characteristic of stale shrimp. These black spots are caused by bacteria that have entered the shrimp’s body, causing it to spoil and also indicating poor storage conditions.

Also Read: These are 11 Characteristics of Healthy and Diseased Shrimp

Tips for Choosing Fresh Shrimp

To ensure you’re selecting fresh shrimp when shopping, you can follow these tips:

1. Check the Color and Aroma of the Shrimp

When choosing fresh shrimp, pay attention to its colour and aroma. Fresh shrimp usually have bright colours. A dull or pale colour could indicate that the shrimp is not fresh. Additionally, the aroma of fresh shrimp is a fresh and distinctive seafood scent. Avoid shrimp that emit an unpleasant or fishy odour, as this could indicate that the shrimp has been stored for a long time or contaminated by bacteria.

2. Examine the Texture of the Shrimp

One way to check the freshness of shrimp is by touching or pressing it directly. Fresh shrimp will feel firm and slightly resilient to the touch. When pressed, fresh shrimp retain their shape and not easily crushed. However, stale shrimp will feel soft and release water when pressed. This could be a sign that the shrimp is not in its best condition.

3. Observe the Adhesion of the Body

When selecting shrimp, also observe the adhesion of its skin to the body. In fresh shrimp, the skin usually adheres tightly to the flesh and is transparent or clear in colour. Avoid shrimp with loose or peeling skin, as this could indicate that the shrimp is not fresh or may have been damaged. Additionally, make sure that the shrimp’s head is still attached to its body, as this is also an indicator of its freshness.

Choose DELOS For Your Shrimp Pond Management!

By knowing the characteristics of fresh shrimp, you can be sure that the shrimp you consume are safe and of high quality. When buying shrimp, look for the 10 characteristics to ensure you get the freshest, best-quality shrimp.

DELOS is the right choice for those who have vannamei shrimp ponds and want to explore the aquaculture industry. DELOS is the best science, technology, and operational management-based aqua-tech company that can help you increase the productivity of your shrimp ponds.

DELOS Farm Management is also integrated with the AquaHero application, making it easier for you to monitor the condition of the shrimp in the pond just through the gadget every day.

To join DELOS, contact contact@delosaqua.con or submit via the contact column on www.delosaqua.com. Choose DELOS for your shrimp pond management!

28Feb

AquacultureTips

How to Overcome and Prevent Floods in Shrimp Ponds

The rainy season can bring new problems for shrimp farmers, ranging from preventing floods, and landslides in embankments, to flood problems. Therefore, shrimp farmers must know how to prevent floods in shrimp ponds so that their cultivation does not suffer losses.

Floods are a serious threat to shrimp ponds, causing significant losses to the environment and farmers. In efforts to address and prevent floods in ponds, an effective approach is needed. Therefore, you can read about it in the following article!

Floods in Shrimp Ponds, What are the Impacts?

For shrimp farmers, floods are a serious challenge that has significant negative impacts on their shrimp cultivation. Floods are not trivial problems because they can cause shrimp to escape from ponds in disarray, resulting in significant losses. The impacts of floods on shrimp ponds are not only limited to these losses but also include the following aspects:

Disrupting shrimp pond infrastructure, including irrigation networks and embankments, can affect the overall construction of the pond.
Lowering the water quality in the pond, can cause stress to shrimp and disrupt their growth.
Increasing operational costs of the pond due to infrastructure repairs and more intensive water management.
Reducing the quality of shrimp produced from the pond, resulting in decreased selling prices and farmer income.
Increasing the population of pathogens and pests in the pond due to the presence of floodwater carrying harmful microorganisms for shrimp.

Also Read: DELOS Secures Top Spot in LinkedIn Top Startups Indonesia 2023

Strategies to Address Floods in Shrimp Ponds

1. Installation of Nets Around the Pond

One effective method is to install nets around the pond to prevent shrimp from being carried away by flood currents. Nets with a width of 1-1.5 meters can be installed and securely tied to withstand the pressure of strong flood currents, keeping the shrimp inside the pond.

2. Water Drainage

A water drainage system, similar to an overflow system, can be implemented by creating drainage channels on the embankment to channel excess water from the pond. This method is effective especially if floods occur only in certain parts of the pond.

3. Liming

Liming is an important step to maintain pH balance in the water, avoiding extreme decreases due to rainwater or the entry of low pH water into the pond. By maintaining the pH of the water, shrimp health can be preserved.

4. Planned Harvesting

Well-planned harvesting can help reduce losses due to floods. This step is the last option when floods cannot be predicted and continue to increase significantly in scale. With timely harvesting, losses can be minimized, effectively reducing the impact of floods on shrimp ponds.

Also Read: DELOS Attended The Aquaculture Roundtable Series (TARS) 2023 in Bali

Post-Flood Pond Management

After a flood occurs, appropriate management steps need to be taken immediately to restore the condition of the shrimp pond. Here are some steps that can be taken:

1. Conducting Evaluation

Firstly, a comprehensive evaluation needs to be carried out to determine if the pond’s position is still suitable for shrimp cultivation. If not, farmers need to consider relocating the pond to a safer location, away from flood risks.

2. Regular Outlet Checking

Outlets, as channels for water to exit the pond, need to be regularly checked to ensure there are no blockages that can hinder water flow out of the pond. Outlet cleaning should be done at least once a month to prevent debris buildup.

3. Raising Pond Chambers

Raising the height of pond chambers is a simple yet effective strategy to prevent floodwater from entering the pond. Higher pond chambers can prevent shrimp from water pressure and prevent them from escaping the pond.

4. Using Overflow Systems

Overflow systems can be installed to assist in draining excess water from the pond when the water has reached its maximum limit. However, it should be noted that this system is only effective if water floods the pond, not its surrounding areas.

5. Building an Effective Drainage System

Constructing an effective drainage system is crucial to control excessive water flow and prevent waterlogging in the pond and its surrounding areas.

6. Improving Water Quality

To restore the water quality affected by floods, liming and water replacement need to be carried out. This step aims to improve water conditions to support shrimp growth.

Also Read: Implementation of Traceability in Vannamei Shrimp Export Products

Strategies to Prevent Flood Formation in Shrimp Ponds

Floods are one of the natural disasters that can disrupt shrimp cultivation, but their negative impact can be reduced through several preventive measures. Here is a series of strategies that can be comprehensively applied:

1. Selection of Flood-Safe Cultivation Locations

Choose cultivation locations located in coastal areas with tidal fluctuations of 2-3 meters, having clay or sandy clay soil textures with sand content of less than 20%, located 50-150 meters from the shoreline, and equipped with a green belt as a buffer zone consisting of mangrove forests.

2. Utilization of Tidal Calendar

Use the tidal calendar to predict and adjust the cultivation cycle with the period of high tides, thus anticipating the potential risk of floods.

3. Installation of Water Pumps

Install water pumps to control the water level in the pond to prevent potential flooding.

4. Regular Cleaning of Inlet and Outlet Channels

Regularly sterilize and clean the inlet and outlet channels of the pond, at least once a month, and conduct periodic inspections to ensure smooth water flow.

Also Read: The Importance of Traceability in Shrimp Farming

5. Construction of an Efficient Drainage System

Build an efficient drainage system to control water flow and prevent waterlogging in the pond and its surroundings.

6. Construction of Pond Structures with Strong Embankments

Construct pond structures equipped with strong barriers to withstand water pressure and prevent leakage.

7. Implementation of Effective Overflow Systems

Implement effective overflow systems during pond construction to ensure smooth drainage of excess water and prevent floods in the pond.

8. Construction of Sub-Soil to Prevent Plastic Swelling

Create effective sub-soil to prevent plastic swelling during floods when constructing pond structures.

Also Read: Wild-caught Shrimp or Farmed Shrimp? Here’s the Consideration!

Shrimp Farming is More Productive with DELOS!

As a serious threat, knowledge to prevent floods in shrimp ponds is important for shrimp farmers. Floods bring about quite complex problems in the cultivation process and result in economic losses.

But you don’t need to worry because DELOS is here to help you manage your shrimp ponds. This includes preventing and addressing various problems that may arise during cultivation.

To connect with the DELOS Team, you can contact us via email at contact@delosaqua.com or visit www.delosaqua.com. Shrimp farming with vannamei shrimp is easier and more productive with DELOS!

21Feb

Shrimp ExportTips

7 Strategies to Boost Production and Export of Indonesian Vannamei Shrimp

Vannamei shrimp has become one of the flagship commodities in Indonesia’s fisheries export to the global market. However, fluctuations in export value prompt the government and industry players to seek new strategies to boost the production and export of Indonesian Vannamei shrimp.

This aims to maintain Indonesia’s shrimp position in the global market and enhance competitiveness. This article will discuss several strategies that can be implemented to increase the production and export of Indonesian Vannamei shrimp.

Also Read: When is the Right Time to Change Shrimp Pond Water?

Strategies to Boost Production and Export of Indonesian Vannamei Shrimp

1. Improving Aquaculture Quality

The first step needed to boost the production and export of Indonesian Vannamei shrimp is by improving aquaculture quality. This includes selecting superior seeds, implementing modern aquaculture technology, and managing water quality effectively.

By enhancing aquaculture quality, it is hoped that Vannamei shrimp production can be significantly increased to meet the growing demand in the export market.

2. Increasing Scale of Operations

In addition to improving aquaculture quality, increasing the scale of operations is also a crucial strategy in boosting Vannamei shrimp production. By scaling up operations, production efficiency can be enhanced, leading to reduced production costs per unit. This will make Indonesian Vannamei shrimp products more competitive in the global market.

3. Product Diversification

To enhance competitiveness in the global market, Indonesia needs to diversify its Vannamei shrimp products. Apart from fresh shrimp, Indonesia can expand its production of processed shrimp, such as frozen shrimp, dried shrimp, or other processed products.

Product diversification will provide flexibility in meeting diverse market demands and increase the added value of Indonesian Vannamei shrimp products.

Also Read: 7 Factors Influencing the Shrimp Export You Should Know

4. Strengthening Distribution and Logistics Systems

Strengthening distribution and logistics systems is also key to increasing Vannamei shrimp export. Indonesia needs to improve its logistics infrastructure, such as ports and transportation networks, to ensure the smooth distribution of Vannamei shrimp products to export markets. Additionally, the development of information and technology systems can help monitor and manage supply chains more efficiently.

5. Improving Quality and Safety Standards

To maintain and enhance international market trust, Indonesia needs to continuously improve the quality and safety standards of Vannamei shrimp products. This includes implementing environmentally friendly farming standards and strict monitoring of the use of chemicals and medications in shrimp farming.

By ensuring that Indonesian Vannamei shrimp products meet high-quality and safety standards, Indonesia can strengthen its position in the global market.

6. Active Promotion and Marketing

Active promotion and marketing efforts are also crucial strategies in increasing the export of Indonesian Vannamei shrimp. Through participation in international trade fairs, promotional campaigns via social media, and collaboration with international marketing agencies, Indonesia can increase the visibility and brand image of Vannamei shrimp products. Effective promotion will help increase market demand and expand export market share.

7. Development of Strategic Partnerships

Lastly, the development of strategic partnerships with major importing countries can also be an effective strategy in increasing the export of Indonesian Vannamei shrimp. Through bilateral or multilateral cooperation, Indonesia can expand market access, strengthen trade relations, and gain competitive advantages in international trade.

Also Read: Characteristics of Shrimp Meeting Export Quality Standards

Support Indonesian Shrimp Export Growth with DELOS!

Strategies to boost the production and export of Indonesian Vannamei shrimp are necessary to face the increasingly fierce competition in the global market. With the various strategies mentioned above, Indonesia can strengthen its position as one of the leading producers and exporters of Vannamei shrimp in the world.

Therefore, let’s support the growth of Indonesian shrimp exports together with DELOS! DELOS is an aquatech startup striving to disrupt the traditional and fragmented aquaculture industry in Indonesia.

Together with Indonesian shrimp farmers, DELOS is committed to improving the quality of Indonesian shrimp and ensuring sustainable shrimp farming practices.

Join DELOS in supporting Indonesian shrimp exports. Contact DELOS at contact@delosaqua.com or visit our website at www.delosaqua.com for more information.

31Jan

TechnologyTips

Preserving the Freshness of Vannamei Shrimp After Harvest with Ice

During harvesting, it is crucial to preserve the freshness of vannamei shrimp, especially during transportation from the pond to the processing facility. This effort is a crucial step in maintaining the quality of shrimp while also sustaining its economic value.

The potential economic losses that may occur if harvested shrimp is damaged during transportation include a decline in prices imposed by processors.

Typically, to preserve the freshness of vannamei shrimp during transportation, ice is added in specific ratios. Read more about this in the following article.

Also Read: How to Cultivate Vannamei Shrimp from Preparation to Harvest

Benefits of Ice in Preserving the Freshness of Vannamei Shrimp

To maintain the freshness of vannamei shrimp post-harvest until it reaches processing, ice is commonly used. The optimal ice ratio used is 1:1. However, this depends on the terrain and the duration of the shrimp’s journey to processing.

The use of ice with the right ratio helps in preserving the quality and nutrients in shrimp. As a result, consumers will receive optimal nutrition when consuming them. Here are five benefits of ice in preserving the freshness of shrimp:

1. Cooling the Shrimp

After harvest, shrimp must be cooled promptly to slow down the spoilage process. The use of ice plays a key role in maintaining the freshness of shrimp during transportation to processing. Properly cooled shrimp will remain fresh and of high quality.

2. Temperature Control

Shrimp quality is highly dependent on temperature, and ice serves as an effective cooling medium to maintain optimal temperature during transportation, ensuring the freshness of shrimp.

3. Preserving Shrimp Texture

Inadequate post-harvest temperature and handling can alter the texture of shrimp. Ice can help preserve shrimp, ensuring consistent texture until it reaches processing for further treatment.

4. Preventing Physical Damage to Shrimp

Shaking and friction during the transportation of shrimp to processing can cause physical damage such as broken tails, heads, or damage to the carapace. Ice acts as a protective layer and shock absorber, reducing the risk of physical damage and maintaining shrimp quality.

5. Increasing the Shelf Life of Shrimp

Ice helps maintain the low temperatures necessary to preserve shrimp quality. By slowing down the spoilage process, ice also extends the shelf life of shrimp, allowing for longer-distance transportation without sacrificing quality.

Also Read: Important Steps to Maintain Shrimp Quality During Harvest

Achieve High-Quality Shrimp Harvests with DELOS!

Preserving the quality of vannamei shrimp during harvest is a key strategy for maximizing profits in aquaculture. If shrimp quality declines during transportation, it can lead to a decrease in shrimp prices, resulting in economic losses.

To avoid losses due to mishandling during shrimp harvest, you can trust DELOS with your pond harvests. DELOS has an expert harvesting team to ensure the quality of your shrimp until it reaches processing. Additionally, DELOS offers an integrated supply chain program, AquaLink, connecting you with industry players to both obtain and sell aquaculture products.

Contact the DELOS team at contact@delosaqua.com or submit through the contact form on our website, www.delosaqua.com, to get the best harvest results for your pond!

27Jan

AquacultureTips

Water Quality Parameters in Shrimp Farms

As far as we might be concerned, making an extraordinary advanced experience is a blend between group, energy and ability. That is the reason we center around individuals.

25Jan

AquacultureTips

Application of Proper Biosecurity for Shrimp Ponds

Biosecurity for shrimp ponds involves a series of measures to prevent the entry of diseases into the pond area. The scope of biosecurity typically includes both the cultivation ponds and the entire pond area.

As the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure,” biosecurity is one of the best ways to minimize the risk of losses due to diseases during shrimp cultivation. However, its implementation must adhere to the established standards.

Applying biosecurity in shrimp ponds is essential to reduce the risk of cultivation failure. This applies to all types of ponds, ranging from traditional to super-intensive scales.

So, how can we properly apply biosecurity and adhere to the standard guidelines? Let’s explore further in this article.

Also Read: 12 Equipments for Vannamei Shrimp Ponds that Must Be Prepared

Proper Application of Biosecurity

In the application of biosecurity for shrimp ponds, several aspects need to be considered, including juveniles (benur), shrimp feed, water, probiotics, and others.

1. Using High-Quality Shrimp Fry (Benur)

The first step in implementing biosecurity is to select high-quality and certified shrimp fry (benur). Ensure that the juveniles you choose are free from diseases to prevent infections and growth issues in the future.

2. Monitoring Water Quality in the Ponds

Water quality in the ponds is a critical aspect that must be monitored throughout the cultivation process. Regularly test water quality parameters to ensure that the pond water remains in optimal conditions. Additionally, you can add probiotics to improve water quality and enhance the shrimp’s immune system, protecting them from diseases.

3. Paying Attention to Accessibility

The accessibility of the pond, including the entry and exit of vehicles, people, and animals, can act as vectors that carry diseases into the pond. To prevent pathogens from entering the pond, you can implement the following activities:

Limiting the number of people entering the pond.
Restricting access to the cultivation area.
Establishing reporting and authorization procedures for pond entry (all visitors must report their presence).
To prevent wild animals from entering the pond, you can install deterrents such as bamboo fences, Crab Protecting Line (CPL), and Bird Scaring Line (BSL).

Another biosecurity measure is to use disinfectants at every pond entrance for people and vehicles entering the area. This helps prevent potential pathogens from being carried in by individuals or vehicles.

Also Read: 5 Types of Shrimp Pond Aerators and Their Functions

4. Following Biosecurity Protocols during Juvenile Stocking

During the juvenile stocking process, biosecurity protocols should be strictly followed and monitored, starting from the arrival of the juveniles to their release into the pond. The truck transporting the juveniles should pass through a wheel bath facility before entering the pond area. Additionally, the bags containing the juveniles should be disinfected (by dipping them in a disinfectant). Equally important is the requirement for all personnel involved in the stocking process to disinfect themselves before entering the cultivation pond, especially during manual stocking.

5. Pond Water Management

Implementing biosecurity in shrimp ponds also involves managing the water that flows in and out of the pond. This is typically achieved by providing storage tanks and treatment ponds to filter and disinfect the water before it enters the main pond.

In the storage tanks, physical treatments such as sediment settling, coarse particle filtration, and total organic matter reduction from the water source are conducted. The treatment ponds involve chemical processes aimed at killing pathogens before the water enters the cultivation pond, and one common method is disinfecting the water in the treatment pond. This reduces or eliminates the possibility of pathogens in the water entering the cultivation pond.

Likewise, the water leaving the pond must also be treated before being discharged into the environment to preserve the surrounding ecosystem. Directly discharging water without filtration could lead to environmental pollution and disease outbreaks due to pathogen contamination.

Also Read: Vannamei Shrimp Probiotics and Its Benefits For Cultivation

The Role of Biosecurity in Controlling Diseases in Shrimp Larvae

The presence of disease infections in shrimp ponds is one of the factors leading to failures in cultivation, especially when the infection occurs during the larval stage, causing socio-economic losses.

Viruses and bacteria cause diseases affecting shrimp. Controlling the spread of diseases is crucial to support sustainable aquaculture, and one effective strategy is the implementation of biosecurity measures in shrimp ponds, particularly starting from the stocking phase.

Some biosecurity measures to control diseases in shrimp larvae include:

Quarantining newly introduced shrimp broodstock.
Laboratory testing of broodstock for diseases.
Proper management of solid and liquid waste.
Regulating personnel and vehicles entering the cultivation area.
Regularly changing water to ensure its quality.
Conducting routine health screenings.

Implementing biosecurity to control the spread of pathogens can have positive effects, minimising the occurrence of diseases caused by bacterial and viral infections during the larval-rearing stage.

Consistent adherence to biosecurity policies by all pond personnel greatly supports the success of shrimp disease control. To ensure the success of biosecurity measures, shrimp farmers must document the regulations in writing.

Also Read: How to Properly and Completely Distribute Vannamei Shrimp Fry!

Rely on DELOS for Shrimp Cultivation!

Proper and standardized application of biosecurity is crucial for shrimp cultivation. With biosecurity measures in place, the risk of disease outbreaks that can lead to production losses can be avoided.

If you’re interested in environmentally friendly vannamei shrimp cultivation, DELOS is the right partner for you. DELOS is a leading aquatech company based on science, technology, and operational management, capable of helping you enhance the productivity of your shrimp ponds while practising sustainable and environmentally friendly shrimp cultivation.

The DELOS team consists of competent and dedicated researchers and professionals who ensure the smooth operation of shrimp cultivation in your ponds. Additionally, DELOS’s farm management is integrated with the AquaHero application, which allows you to easily monitor your shrimp ponds daily using your gadgets.

Contact DELOS at contact@delosaqua.com or click the WhatsApp icon on our website www.delosaqua.com to connect with us directly. Enhance the productivity of your ponds with DELOS!

10Jan

Tips

How to Properly and Completely Distribute Vannamei Shrimp Fry!

The correct distribution of vannamei shrimp fry is a crucial first step in determining the success of aquaculture. Proper fry distribution techniques can increase the number of surviving fry, resulting in a high survival rate (SR).

Fry are usually distributed when they reach PL10 to PL15. Additionally, they often need to undergo various tests to ensure their quality. During the distribution process, fry cannot be immediately released into the pond. Instead, it’s necessary to adjust the temperature first to prevent stress, which can lead to mortality. Read on to learn more about the proper and correct method for distributing Vaname shrimp fry.

Also Read: 7 Characteristics of High-Quality Vannamei Shrimp Seed

Characteristics of Good Fry

As one of the keys to successful Vaname shrimp cultivation, you must ensure that the fry to be distributed are of ideal quality. Here are some characteristics to look for:

1. Uniform Fry Size

Fry with uniform size indicate high quality. Uniform size suggests that the fry have grown normally and received consistent nutrition. Additionally, uniform fry size can prevent cannibalism.

2. No Physical Deformities

Healthy fry should have complete and well-developed body parts, including straight tails, perfectly shaped eyes and eye stalks, and intact swimmerets.

3. Full Gut Content

Healthy fry should have a full gut as an indication of good feeding. Conversely, fry with empty guts may mean they are not eating or are experiencing stress.

4. Active Fry Movement

Another sign of quality fry is their active and agile movement, which is assessed through activity tests. This is because fry are sensitive to external stimuli.

5. Free from Various Diseases

Shrimp diseases can be transmitted from broodstock to fry. Therefore, shrimp farmers must ensure that the fry are free from various pathogens through PCR testing.

6. Passes Stress Tests

Minimizing stress on fry is a top priority during the hatchery process. Stressed fry have a lower chance of survival.

7. Sourced from a Trusted Hatchery

To obtain the highest-quality fry, you should get them from a trusted hatchery. This ensures that the breeding process has been closely monitored to maintain quality.

Also Read: Vannamei Shrimp Feed Management Tips For Your Anti-Loss Cultivation

How to Distribute Vannamei Shrimp Fry

1. Choosing the Right Distribution Time

Before distributing vannamei shrimp fry, you must determine the appropriate time for their release. Typically, fry are distributed in the morning or evening when the air temperature is lower to minimize fry stress.

Also, ensure that the weather conditions are stable to prevent sudden changes in the pond water quality parameters.

2. Pond Preparation

Preparation of the aquaculture pond is a critical aspect of the vannamei shrimp fry distribution process. Ensure that the pond is free from various pests and pathogens that could harm the fry.

Additionally, check that the water parameters in the pond are within the optimal range, including pH, alkalinity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and water temperature. If all these parameters are in the optimal range, you can start transferring the fry to the pond while keeping them in plastic bags to allow them to acclimate.

3. Fry Adaptation to Pond Water

After the pond is ready, you cannot simply release the fry directly. They need to go through an adaptation process to prevent sudden environmental changes that may stress the shrimp.

This adaptation is done by floating the bags containing the fry in the pond for 15-30 minutes. Then, open the bags, measure the salinity and temperature of the water inside the bags and in the pond. The temperature difference should not exceed 2 degrees Celsius, and the salinity difference should not be more than 5 ppt.

To expedite the adaptation, you can gradually add pond water to the bags until the temperature and salinity match.

4. Distributing Fry into the Pond

Once the fry have adequately adapted to the pond environment, you can release them into the pond. Adapted fry will exhibit active movement and swimming within the bags.

Fry can be released into the pond using two methods: the first involves slowly releasing them directly, and the second method involves adding Artemia (natural shrimp feed) first and then, after 30 minutes, releasing the shrimp through a tube using the force of gravity.

5. Initial Feeding (Blind Feeding)

After distributing the fry into the pond, provide appropriate initial feed to support their growth and survival. Blind feeding can be employed from day-old postlarvae (DOC 1) up to day-old postlarvae 30 (DOC 30).

Also Read: Do These 5 Things For Successful Vannamei Shrimp Cultivation

Things to Consider Before Seeding Shrimp Fry

1. Check Post-Larvae Documents

When post-larvae arrive at the pond location, it is advisable to check the completeness of documents related to post-larvae, including Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) or Specific Pathogen Resistant (SPR) specification letters. SPF indicates that the post-larvae are free from pathogens such as WSSV, TSV, and IHHNV viruses, while SPR indicates the post-larvae’s genetic resistance to these pathogens. Both documents prove that the hatchery has conducted thorough inspections with strict biosecurity measures before sending the post-larvae.

2. Ensure Pond Readiness

The second crucial step before seeding post-larvae is to ensure pond readiness. The preparation stage or Day of Preparation (DOP) must meet cultivation standards.

This involves checking pond water quality parameters, such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, and salinity, which must be in optimal conditions to support the postlarvae’s ideal growth.

3. Conduct Post-Larvae Sampling

Post-larvae play a key role in the success of shrimp cultivation. Therefore, before seeding, it is necessary to take samples to ensure that the incoming post-larvae are in ideal condition.

Sampling is done by taking at least 10% of the total ordered post-larvae, providing an overview of post-larvae quality without the need to seed all post-larvae, making it more efficient.

Also, perform a physical examination of the post-larvae, including necrosis and bolitas tests, conducted in the laboratory. The necrosis test aims to identify the number of dead cells or necrosis in the post-larvae organs, while the bolitas test involves changes in the form of balls in the hepatopancreas tissue, indicating abnormalities in the post-larvae organs due to travel stress.

4. Check Water Quality

Parameters for water quality testing include pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), and salinity. The goal is to assess the differences in water quality conditions for post-larvae after arriving at the location compared to when they were still in the hatchery. If there are differences, acclimatization may require more or less time depending on the suitability of water quality.

5. Calculate the Actual Number of Post-Larvae

Calculating the actual number of post-larvae is essential to determine the stocking density of the pond. If the number of post-larvae seeded exceeds the specified stocking density, it can impact the pond’s carrying capacity in the future. The calculation is done on the selected sample bags during the sampling, using tools such as large buckets, small buckets, hand tally counters, and scoops.

The process of counting live and dead post-larvae involves summing up the numbers to obtain the actual count, which can then be used to determine the appropriate stocking density according to the established guidelines.

Also Read: Factors Affecting Shrimp Survival Rate

Start Your Vannamei Shrimp Farming with DELOS!

These are the steps for distributing fry that you can practice when cultivating vannamei shrimp. The selection and distribution of ideal fry are crucial for optimizing shrimp production. To enhance your vannamei shrimp farming, you can choose DELOS as your shrimp pond cultivation partner.

DELOS is an aquatech company that can assist you in managing your ponds and achieving optimal productivity in every cycle. DELOS pond management is integrated with the AquaHero app, making it easy for you to monitor pond conditions daily.

Contact the DELOS team via contact@delosaqua.com or submit your inquiries through our contact form at www.delosaqua.com to learn more about our services. Start your vannamei shrimp farming journey with DELOS!

28Dec

Tips

5 Tips for Accelerating Vannamei Shrimp Growth When Cultivating

Slow growth is sometimes a problem that must be faced when cultivating. Therefore, it is essential to know tips on accelerating vannamei shrimp growth before it’s too late.

Vannamei shrimp cultivation has become a profitable business lately. This is because the demand for vannamei shrimp in the global market is increasing daily. Of course, at a very attractive price.

However, only good quality vannamei shrimp can be sold at the maximum price. Meanwhile, vannamei shrimp with slow growth means that farmers have to wait a little longer to harvest and then sell them.

So what are the tips for accelerating vannamei shrimp growth during cultivation? Here we have summarized it, especially for you.

Also Read: 10 Equipments for Vannamei Shrimp Ponds that Must Be Prepared

Factors Causing Slow Vannamei Shrimp to Grow

When cultivating, it is common for farmers to experience slow growth of their shrimp. The cause of the slow growth of vannamei shrimp is influenced by several factors, including:

1. Water quality

The first factor affecting the growth of vannamei shrimp is water quality. Shrimp need clean, well-oxygenated water to grow and develop.

Poor water quality, such as high levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, low levels of dissolved oxygen, and high salinity, can stress shrimp and inhibit their growth.

2. Too High Density

The density of vannamei shrimp ponds also affects growth. Overcrowded ponds can cause stress on the shrimp to compete for food and space. This can result in slower growth rates or even death.

3. Poor Nutrition

Vannamei shrimp require an adequate supply of nutrients to grow and develop. This includes protein, vitamins, and minerals obtained from feed and saprotam.

Giving vannamei shrimp feed that does not meet the nutritional needs needed can prevent shrimp growth from becoming stunted and shrimp cannot grow optimally.

4. Disease

Shrimp are susceptible to disease attacks that can affect their growth. Common diseases that affect shrimp growth include bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections.

5. Poor Quality Vannamei Shrimp Seeds

Mistakes in selecting vannamei shrimp seeds can also affect shrimp growth. Poor-quality fry will produce bad shrimp as well.

The low-quality vannamei shrimp fry can be seen from the size that is different from the other fry. For example, the condition of the fry’s body is deformed, the intestine is not filled, and the antennae are not intact, the fry is not actively swimming.

Also Read: Vannamei Shrimp Feed Management Tips for Your Anti-Loss Cultivation!

Tips for Accelerating Vannamei Shrimp Growth

Several factors can affect the growth of vannamei shrimp, including water quality, feed, and pond environmental conditions. Here are tips on accelerating vannamei shrimp growth that you can do.

1. Make Sure the Water Quality is Always Optimal

Accelerating vannamei shrimp growth can be done by ensuring that pond water quality is always optimal. This is because shrimp need quality water free of pollutants, poisons, and pathogens to grow appropriately.

Maintaining proper temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen levels is important for their growth. Therefore, farmers need to carry out regular water testing and monitoring.

2. Choose High-Quality Feed

Vannamei shrimp require feed with balanced nutrition to support their growth. So, choose a feed high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Also, feed the shrimp regularly and in the right amount. Also, ensure the feed given is consumed entirely by the shrimp quickly.

3. Optimize Feeding

During cultivation, it is essential to optimize vannamei shrimp feeding. This includes the frequency and amount of feed because underfeeding or overfeeding can harm shrimp growth.

4. Maintain Ideal Environmental Conditions

The next step for accelerating vannamei shrimp growth is maintaining ideal environmental cultivation conditions. For example, ensuring the water temperature and other environmental conditions are stable and consistent prevents shrimp from becoming stressed, which can affect their growth.

5. Adopt Proper Cultivation Management Practices

Proper management of vannamei shrimp culture can be a factor that accelerates vannamei shrimp growth, for example, by changing the water regularly, cleaning the pond of sediment deposits, and monitoring water quality daily.

Also Read: This is the Process of Molting in Shrimp and How to Handle It

Monitor the Condition of Shrimp Ponds Every Day with AquaHero

Poor water quality is one of the causes of stunted vannamei shrimp growth. Therefore monitoring pond water conditions can be one way to accelerate vannamei shrimp growth.

Now you can practically and easily monitor the condition of your shrimp pond water with AquaHero. AquaHero is a data-based application that makes it easy for farmers to monitor the condition of their shrimp ponds in real time.

Apart from that, AquaHero also has a recommendation feature that can help farm owners and farm personnel to get scientific predictions and recommendations for the right actions to take. This includes harvesting, phytoplanktons, carrying capacity, and others.

To enjoy AquaHero features, contact the DELOS Team via contact@delosaqua.com or submit via the contact column on our website www.delosaqua.com. Vannamei shrimp farming is easier with DELOS!

20Dec

Tips

Impact of Rainy Season on Shrimp Pond Sustainability

As a tropical country, Indonesia experiences a rainy season lasting approximately six months, specifically from November to May. This rainy season significantly impacts the conditions of shrimp pond waters that require careful attention.

Shrimp ponds are artificial ecosystems where shrimp grow and develop from stocking to harvest stages. These pond water conditions are highly vulnerable to climate and weather changes, especially during the rainy season.

The impact of the rainy season on pond sustainability can be observed from several aspects that affect production success, pond ecosystem balance, and the economics of shrimp farmers. Find out more in this article!

Also Read: 5 Characteristics of Intensive Vannamei Shrimp Pond You Should Know

Impact of Rainy Season on Shrimp Pond Sustainability

1. Affecting Water Quality

One of the most significant impacts of the rainy season on shrimp ponds is the alteration of water quality. High rainfall can increase the water volume in ponds, disrupting the balance of water quality parameters.

Due to rain, water temperature can experience stratification or unevenness, especially at the bottom. However, sunlight can raise the water temperature again, while continuous rain can be managed with aerators (paddles) to homogenize the water temperature.

A decrease in temperature will reduce shrimp feed consumption, approximately by 10% (dry weight) for each Celsius degree drop. When the water temperature drops by about 3-5℃, feed consumption can decline by up to 30%.

Low temperatures prompt shrimp to seek warmer water and tend to avoid the water surface to evade rain sounds or splashes. This implies that shrimp may be at the bottom of the pond, which may simultaneously experience a decrease in dissolved oxygen (DO) levels.

2. Increased Risk of Disease Infection

The influence of the rainy season on shrimp ponds is also associated with disease risk. Environmental changes caused by the rainy season can trigger increased growth of disease-causing pathogens.

Moreover, if shrimp are stressed due to sudden environmental changes, they become more susceptible to infections, exacerbating the health conditions of your shrimp pond.

Also Read: How to Reduce Vannamei Shrimp FCR for More Profitable Cultivation

3. Decrease in Plankton Quantity

The quantity of plankton can drastically decrease after rainfall, especially microalgae. This can occur due to a decrease in water pH, a reduction in mineral concentration and micro-nutrients, and reduced sunlight intensity.

4. Economic Impact

The influence of the rainy season on shrimp ponds also impacts the economic aspect. Disrupted or reduced shrimp production due to unsupportive environmental conditions can lead to financial losses for shrimp farmers.

When rain occurs during harvest time, farmers often have to postpone harvesting. Forcing a shrimp harvest during the rainy season can affect the quality of the produced shrimp.

Also Read: Facing Unpredictable Weather Challenges in Shrimp Farming

Monitor Your Shrimp Farming with AquaHero!

The rainy season significantly affects shrimp pond sustainability. To face these challenges, farmers need to prepare everything, including monitoring the water quality where shrimp grow and develop.

Now, you can easily record and monitor the water quality parameters of your vannamei shrimp ponds with AquaHero!

AquaHero is an application developed by DELOS to facilitate your continuous monitoring of pond conditions. From water quality to shrimp growth, recommended actions, and even break-even point (BEP) estimation during cultivation.

Contact the DELOS Team via contact@delosaqua.com or submit through the contact column on our website at www.delosaqua.com to try various AquaHero features and make your vannamei shrimp farming easier and traceable. Monitor your pond conditions with AquaHero!

10Dec

AquacultureTips

How to Grow Plankton in Shrimp Ponds

There are several practical and easy ways to grow plankton in shrimp ponds. Plankton is an important component during vannamei shrimp cultivation because of its many benefits for shrimp survival.

Naturally, vannamei shrimp ponds contain a lot of plankton. These organisms play an essential role in pond ecology and affect water quality. However, under certain conditions, plankton can also bring problems in cultivation.

Plankton is very diverse, some of which can grow in almost any type of water. However, some are only able to grow in certain environmental conditions. Here’s how to grow plankton in shrimp ponds practically and efficiently.

Also Read: Partial Harvest of Vannamei Shrimp and Its Benefits to Increase Profits

How to Grow Plankton in Shrimp Ponds

1. Add Dolomitic Limestone

The first way to grow plankton in shrimp ponds is to add dolomite lime (CaCO3). Dolomite lime increases the alkalinity of pond water, which is used by nitrifying bacteria to convert ammonia (NH3) to nitrate (NO3), which plankton can use to grow.

2. Add Fermentation

Adding fermentation, such as molasses, can also be another way to grow plankton in shrimp ponds. The existence of this fermented material helps accelerate the growth of plankton in your vannamei shrimp pond.

3. Creating the Right Environmental Conditions for Plankton Growth

Plankton requires special conditions to grow in pond waters. Phytoplankton needs sunlight, nutrients, and carbon dioxide to grow. Meanwhile, zooplankton requires an adequate food source, oxygen, and appropriate water temperature.

To encourage the growth of phytoplankton and zooplankton in ponds, it is crucial to maintain a balance of ecosystems that provide the right amounts of these essential elements.

4. Controlling Nutrition Levels

Nutrient levels in shrimp ponds can have a significant impact on plankton growth. High levels of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus can lead to high algae growth, while low levels of nutrients can result in poor phytoplankton growth rates.

Also Read: This is the Ideal Vannamei Shrimp Pond Design and Construction

Potential Adverse Effects of Plankton on Shrimp Ponds

Although plankton has many benefits, excess amounts of plankton can have negative impacts. For example, at night, in ponds with dense phytoplankton, the respiration of phytoplankton and other organisms can lead to low dissolved oxygen concentrations, suppressing or killing cultured species.

In addition, in ponds with low aeration or even no aeration at all, the presence of high plankton can reduce the depth of visibility under the pond water, which can cause dissolved oxygen concentrations at night to be too low.

Meanwhile, during the day, vannamei shrimp ponds with too many phytoplankton concentrations can cause the water pH to be too high. This is because phytoplankton carries out photosynthesis during the day and can drain water from existing free carbon dioxide.

Also Read: Benefits of Molasses and Tips on Using It for Shrimp Ponds

Choose DELOS for your Shrimp Farm Management!

How to grow plankton in vannamei shrimp ponds is relatively easy. What’s more, plankton has many benefits for cultivation. However, remember that excessive plankton concentrations can also harm cultivation.

Therefore, it is essential for farmers to always maintain the stability of plankton in the pond. For that, you can entrust the management of your shrimp ponds to DELOS!

DELOS is the best science, technology, and operational management-based aquatech startup that can help you manage your shrimp ponds based on aquaculture best practices for the best productivity results.

DELOS farm management is also directly integrated with AquaHero to make monitoring pond conditions easier anywhere and anytime.

Immediately contact DELOS at contact@delosaqua.com or submit via our website contact column at www.delosaqua.com to partner with us. Choose DELOS for your vannamei shrimp farming!