Identification Characteristics:
Large shrimp, with a body length (Lt) reaching up to 20 cm. The carapace is flattened, the dorsal surface is smooth or covered with fine hairs. The post-rostral carina is prominent along the midline of the dorsal surface, and the branchiostegal ridge is clearly visible. The open eye sockets are located between the anterior edge, and the distance between the two eye sockets is less than or equal to the distance from the eye socket to the lateral edge. The cervical groove is wide and deeply incised medially. The anterior edge of the rostrum has 9-10 teeth, the anterolateral edge has 3-4 teeth, and the posterolateral edge has 10-13 teeth. Abdominal segments: The ventral surface of each segment has a distinct median ridge. The dorsal plate of the fifth abdominal segment terminates in a small spine.
Biology and Ecology:
Found in deep-sea environments, ranging from 25 to 314 meters in depth. In Vietnamese waters, it is commonly found at depths of 25-80 meters, inhabiting soft sandy or muddy substrates. The breeding season is from March to May.
Distribution:
- Within Vietnam: Coastal waters of Central Vietnam (from Da Nang to Binh Thuan) and offshore waters of Southeast Vietnam.
- Worldwide: Japan, Korea, China, Philippines, Thailand, and Australia.
Value:
Valuable for scientific research and understanding the species’ ecology in its natural environment.
Status:
Prior to 1975, this species was commonly encountered in the coastal waters of Central Vietnam and offshore Southeast Vietnam, with an estimated distribution area of over 20,000 km². Since 1975, particularly from 1990 to the present, there has been an increase in fishing pressure to supply both domestic and export markets, resulting in a noticeable decline in population and a reduction in the distribution area, estimated to be less than 20,000 km².
Classification:
VU A1c,d B2a+3d.
Conservation Measures:
This species should be included in the list of protected species within the fisheries sector. Concurrently, fishing intensity should be reduced, and fishing locations should be rotated.