Identification:
Description:
This is a large shrimp species. Its body (excluding antennae) can reach over 45 cm in length, with a weight of 1.3-1.5 kg per individual. The average size is 25-30 cm and 0.4-0.5 kg per individual. The shell is rough and cream-colored. The dorsal surface of the body segments exhibits a reddish-brown hue. The base of antenna I lacks spines and is completely covered by the base of antenna II. Antenna II filaments are short, flat, sword-shaped, and cannot be bent. The two spines on the eye are fused, forming a flat, bell-shaped structure. There are three small, nearly equal spines along each side of the cephalothorax. The walking legs are short and slightly flattened, with ridges on both the inner and outer sides; the terminal segments are flat and triangular. The first abdominal segment of females lacks swimming legs.
Biology and Ecology:
Habitat:
This shrimp species lives in schools in offshore waters at depths ranging from 30 to 318 meters, commonly found on sandy or muddy-sandy bottoms.
Reproduction:
The breeding season extends from December to April of the following year.
Distribution:
In Vietnam:
Off the Hoang Sa Islands and the southeastern coast of Vietnam.
Worldwide:
The Indo-West Pacific region: Japan, Korea, China, the Philippines, and eastern and western Australia.
Value:
Significance:
This species holds scientific value and is suitable for commercial farming.
Conservation Status:
Historical Context:
Before 1990, shrimp with a size of 0.4-0.5 kg per individual were abundant off the Hoang Sa Islands and the southeastern coast of Vietnam.
Current Status:
From 1990 to the present, overfishing has led to a significant decline in population, potentially by as much as 20%. The most noticeable effect has been a reduction in the number and size of adult individuals. Currently, the commonly harvested shrimp size is 0.1 kg per individual.
Assessment:
Vulnerable (VU) A1d B2e+ 3d.
Conservation Measures:
Recommendations:
Reduce the intensity of fishing efforts, and avoid harvesting shrimp smaller than 0.3 kg per individual.