SPECIES FIELD GUIDE

Whiteleg shrimp

The dominant farmed shrimp worldwide and in India, grown in coastal ponds, biofloc and increasingly in indoor systems.

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei (Litopenaeus vannamei)

A live whiteleg shrimp with a translucent pale body resting on light sand in shallow clear water.

Illustrative image.

  • The dominant farmed shrimp worldwide and in India, grown in coastal ponds, biofloc and increasingly in indoor systems.
  • Tolerates a wide salinity range, which has allowed low-salinity inland culture in some regions under specific conditions.
  • Highly susceptible to viral and bacterial diseases; biosecurity and specific-pathogen-free seed are central.
  • Stocking in India requires post-larvae from registered hatcheries using imported SPF broodstock under regulation.
  • Inland saline culture raises concerns about soil and groundwater salinisation that must be managed responsibly.