Studies on the penaeoid prawns of the Philippines

Abstract

Thirty-five species of penaeoid prawns, representing 9 genera in 3 families, have been found over a period of 5 years from 1976 to 1980 in the Philippine waters. Of these, 15 species have been recorded for the first time from the country.

Keys for the identification of genera and species, and descriptions as well as illustrations of 35 species except for the illustration of Metapenaeus moyebi are provided.

Twelve species out of the 35 species are commercially important. They are Metapenaeus anchistus, M. dalli as well as M. moyebi, M. ensis, Penaeus indicus, P. japonicus, P. latisulcatus, P. merguiensis, P. monodon, P. semisulcatus, Solenocera alticarinata, and S. melantho, of which P. monodon is the greatest because of its large size, abundant occurence of the fry and easier cultivation in the pond, and furthermore, other five Penaeus species are of great potential for an aquaculture in brackishwater fishponds.