Effects of Broodstock Size and Source on Ovarian Maturation and Spawning of <i>Penaeus monodon</i> Fabricius from the Gulf of Thailand

Abstract

Abstract The effects of broodstock source (pond‐reared and wildcaught from shallow waters) and prawn size (large—weight &gt;120 g, and small‐weight &lt; 110 g) on ovarian maturation and reproductive success of Penueus monodon were evaluated. Large females underwent stage IV ovarian maturation and spawned with greater success than did small prawns. Both pond‐reared and wildcaught females of the same size exhibited comparable maturation and spawning success. Large females rematured and spawned more frequently than small ones. Total eggs produced by large prawns was significantly greater than for small prawns; nevertheless, prawn source and size had no significant influence on amount of eggs spawned per spawning event. Egg quality varied greatly in terms of percent fertilization, hatch rate, and metamorphosis to first protozwa stage.