Preliminary studies on prawn, Penaeus merguiensis, for selection of broodstock in genetic improvement programs

Studies conducted on prawn, Penaeus merguiensis (de Man, 1888), from Goa and Devgarh (Maharashtra) waters showed higher average values of tail weight and other morphometric characters in Devgarh. The coefficient of variation in females is almost twice that in males in both localities. Stepwise sequential regression analysis indicated that morphometric characters like partial carapace length (PCL), exopod of uropod length (EUL) and posterior abdominal circumference (PAC), either individually or in combination, give a more accurate estimate of tail weight than the other 14 possible variables, and can be used for selection of the broodstock in aquaculture.