Mediterranean shrimp

Penaeus kerathurus is a member of the Decapoda order, family Penaeidae. Although it is a highly valued species in commercial fisheries, it can be viewed as an unwanted intruder in coastal agriculture, particularly in aquaculture-integrated farming systems. Understanding its taxonomy is crucial for identifying its impact on managed water bodies.

This species primarily occupies coastal regions and estuaries. While it does not attack crops directly, its presence in irrigation systems linked to the sea can disrupt agricultural practices. It creates significant challenges in hybrid farming environments where water management is shared between aquatic culture and terrestrial crops, such as rice paddy cultivation.

The biology of Penaeus kerathurus involves a complex life cycle, migrating between offshore breeding grounds and coastal nursery areas. Larvae go through nauplius, zoea, and mysis stages, requiring specific saline conditions. Their ability to tolerate brackish water allows them to penetrate irrigation infrastructure, where they can thrive if the environment is not adequately managed.

The economic damage caused by this species is mainly indirect. It damages irrigation dams by digging burrows, leading to erosion and infrastructure degradation. Furthermore, as an opportunistic feeder, it disrupts the biological balance of local water reservoirs, consuming organic matter and competing with species essential for sustainable farming practices.

Effective management requires physical barriers such as fine-mesh screens at water inlets to prevent colonization. Salt concentration control is also vital, as the species relies on specific saline levels to reproduce. Regular maintenance of irrigation banks and professional monitoring of water quality remain the primary methods to mitigate the impact of this crustacean in agricultural zones.