Marsupenaeus japonicus

Marsupenaeus japonicus, commonly known as the Kuruma prawn, is a species of prawn that is significant in aquaculture, particularly in Asia. It is a member of the family Penaeidae, a family of prawns collectively known as the penaeid prawns.

Taxonomy

The Kuruma prawn is classified under the genus Marsupenaeus, which is part of the family Penaeidae. The species was first described by the British zoologist John Edward Gray in 1835. The scientific name Marsupenaeus japonicus is derived from the Latin words Marsupenaeus, meaning "pouch shrimp", and japonicus, meaning "from Japan".

Description

Marsupenaeus japonicus is a large prawn species, with adults typically reaching a length of 20-25 cm. The body is translucent with a bluish-green hue, and the legs and antennae are a bright orange color. The prawn has a distinctive hump on its back, which is where the genus name Marsupenaeus (pouch shrimp) comes from.

Distribution and habitat

The Kuruma prawn is native to the western Pacific Ocean, specifically the waters around Japan, hence the species name japonicus. It is also found in the waters off China, Korea, and Taiwan. The species prefers warm, shallow waters and is typically found in depths of 5-50 meters.

Aquaculture

Marsupenaeus japonicus is a significant species in aquaculture, particularly in Japan and China. It is farmed for its size and the quality of its meat, which is considered a delicacy in many Asian cuisines. The prawn is typically farmed in brackish water ponds, and the farming process involves several stages, including hatching, nursery, and grow-out.

Conservation status

The conservation status of Marsupenaeus japonicus is not currently evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, the species is considered at risk due to overfishing and habitat loss caused by coastal development and pollution.

See also

• Aquaculture in Japan
• Aquaculture in China
• Prawn farming